[James]

Not really sure if this is the right place to post this but,

Radio 2 Drivetime show with Simon Mayo and Jo Whiley to end, with Simon Mayo leaving BBC Radio 2 but continuing to present his 5 Live film show with Mark Kermode.

Simon Mayo and Jo Whiley Radio 2 Drivetime show to end
57 minutes ago


The Radio 2 Drivetime show with Simon Mayo and Jo Whiley is to end after just a few months on air.

Mayo is leaving BBC Radio 2 altogether but will continue to present his 5 Live film show with Mark Kermode.

Whiley will remain on the station but move to the 7-9pm slot, which means Drive will get a brand new presenter.

Mayo has fronted Drivetime for eight years, but the station added Whiley as a co-host in May - a move which led to a huge backlash from listeners.

BBC News understands Mayo will not be moving to a rival broadcaster, despite some media reports suggesting he was leaving to host a breakfast show on a commercial station.

Whiley's addition to the show came after Radio 2 was criticised for its lack of female presenters.

Mayo wrote on Twitter on Monday morning: "I'll continue with the (flagship) film show on 5 Live with Mark Kermode and, beyond that, other radio adventures beckon!

"But for now it's just the sadness of leaving. Radio 2 has been a wonderful place for me - my happiest radio I think. Our listeners are really quite extraordinary."



He added: "Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not but so there is no room for argument I'll be clear.

"I've loved working with the exceptional Jo Whiley and when the show was 'reconfigured ' she was my first and only choice.
Skip Twitter post by @simonmayo

One other thing. Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not but so there is no room for argument I’ll be clear. I’ve loved working with the exceptional Jo Whiley and when the show was ‘reconfigured ‘ she was my first and only choice.
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo) October 22, 2018
End of Twitter post by @simonmayo

"Some of the abuse she has had here has been appalling. Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another.

"So by all means discuss what's happening here, but let's keep some civility. Thank you. Here endeth the lesson."

Jo Whiley said: "I'm incredibly sad that Simon has decided to leave Radio 2. He's a brilliant broadcaster, a great friend and I really will miss working with him.

"However, I'm very much looking forward to hosting a new show for a new year which will have music at the very heart of it as well as guests and live sessions. Dream show, actually. Can't wait!".....

From https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45938829