Simon Mayo has been "overwhelmed" with the support he's received since quitting BBC Radio 2.

Simon Mayo

Simon Mayo

The 60-year-old DJ announced on Monday (22.10.18) he is leaving the Drive Time Show on the UK station to focus on his novel writing career and he has been stunned by the reaction of his fans since revealing his decision.

On Twitter, he wrote: "A brief PS to yesterday's fun and games. Thank you for all the comments here, I'm quite overwhelmed.

"It's been wonderful to hear from so many listeners, colleagues and friends. I've read them all (I think) and really appreciated every one. Planning a quieter day today. (sic)"

Simon's co-host Jo Whiley will also be leaving the show to front a new Evening Session series which will see her host live music on the airwaves, meaning the BBC bosses are looking for a new Drive Time presenter.

Simon admitted he surprised himself with his decision to quit his programme but he decided he would be too busy with his writing and overseeing the TV and film adaptations of some of his books to be on air every afternoon.

Speaking on the show on Monday, he said: "I have, much to my surprise, decided to leave Radio 2 in December, I was expecting to hang on until I was 150. But circumstances change and next year was getting very busy and in 2019 the book that I mentioned which is 'The Itch' series is being made into a television series in Perth in Australia.

"And 'Mad Blood Stirring' which is a book I wrote this year, that's an ongoing film project and intend to work on both projects.

"And I have a new two book deal too, so my two publishers will be expecting a book very soon ... I'm very sad to be leaving the show, I'm very sad to be leaving you Jo. I'm very sad to be leaving Wogan House, I'm very sad to be leaving the whole production team, but excited at the same time, does that make sense to be sad and excited?"


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