Paul O’Grady fans have reacted after the star said he won’t be doing his popular BBC Radio 2 show until May.
O’Grady – who shot to fame as Lily Savage – will be replaced on the Sunday teatime show by comedian Rob Beckett for 13 weeks.
The 66-year-old wrote on Instagram: “It’s my last Radio 2 Sunday show for quite sometime, our listening figures have shot up so a great big thank you to everyone who listens.
“While I’m on the subject I’d also like to thank my producer ( sounds very grand) Malcolm Prince who is one of the best in the business and hasn’t cracked once in the 14 years we’ve been on air. “
Paul, who also presents For the Love of Dogs on ITV, added: “There’s a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as it’s a management decision.
“So, all being well and providing I’m not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting, I should be back some time in May. Take it easy. X @bbcradio2 @malprin.”
Not everyone seems happy, with the Paul O’Grady Fan Club on twitter telling its more than 17,000 followers: “We fear the sudden schedule changes could change things for good for Sundays @BBCRadio2. We need all of you to get emailing helen.thomas [email protected] expressing your concerns that Paul needs to stay on his weekly slot. #SaveTeamPOGr2”
On twitter Safiya Outlines wrote: “Cannot believe they are doing this to such a popular and well-loved show.”
Di Price tweeted: “Save our national treasure Paul O Grady, can’t beat #TeamPOGr2 on a Sunday afternoon.. This man has the whole family crying with laughter and we love him.”