Iconic BBC Radio host signs off from final show after 43 years on air with emotional message to fans

AN iconic BBC Radio host has signed off from his final local show after 43 years with an emotional message.

Tony Blackburn has left fans devastated as he presented his final ever programme.

BBC

An iconic BBC Radio host has signed off from his final local show after 43 years with an emotional message[/caption]

BBC

Tony Blackburn has presented his final ever BBC Local Radio show[/caption]

AFP

Tony posing with his medal after being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)[/caption]

BBC

Closing the show on Sunday, Tony told viewers: “You’ll never find another laugh like mine”[/caption]

The DJ was a fixture of BBC Radio Berkshire, Oxford and Solent’s schedules for decades.

However, earlier this year Tony announced he was stepping away to focus on other projects including his work with BBC Radio 2.

Closing the show on Sunday, Tony told viewers: “You’ll never find another laugh like mine.

“43 years on BBC local radio and that’s it as far as I’m concerned.

“Thank you so much. I want to thank you very much indeed for listening to me over the years.

“It’s been a pleasure being here and I look forward to being with you in other places.

“Once again thanks very much indeed for all the memories and all the lovely music, I hope you’ve enjoyed the music I’ve brought you on Sunday afternoons.”

He concluded: “From me Tony Blackburn to BBC Local Radio, bye bye.”

Last December Tony announced he had quit his Soul on Sunday programme after 40 years.

Tony first found fame broadcasting on the pirate station Radio Caroline before joining the BBC.

I’m A Celeb champ Tony was the first DJ to broadcast on BBC Radio 1 at its launch in September 1967.

Meanwhile, Radio 4 show Tweet of the Day is to be officially removed from the Beeb’s daily schedule.

The show will only air on Sundays going forward as part of a wide shake-up to the programming schedule in a bid to cut costs.

BBC

Tony first found fame broadcasting on the pirate station Radio Caroline before joining the BBC[/caption]