BBC Radio 2 host and Britain’s oldest DJ Brian Matthew slams horrible decision to AXE him

BBC • GETTY

Brian Matthew is to be replaced on BBC Radio 2's Sounds Of The Sixties

BBC Radio 2 made the shock announcement today, saying that producers agreed that it was the "right time" for the 88-year-old to retire from the show after an "extended bout of ill health".

The DJ has presented the Saturday morning show for more than 26 years before taking a break last November.

However, Brian told the Daily Telegraph: "That’s absolute balderdash. I was ready and willing and able to go back, and they’ve just said they are going to put the programme in the hands of other people.

"I didn’t really have much in the way of ill health. I had a collapse at home, and my wife called the ambulance service. They came and examined me and said it was a matter for appraisal at the hospital. They put me on a ward, I stayed there for a while and now I’m back at home."

BBC

BBC Radio 2 put the decision about Brian Matthew down to his ill health

GETTY

Brian Matthew with the Beatles back in the 60s

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I was ready and willing and able to go back!

Brian Matthew

Brian added: "I enjoyed doing the show very much indeed. I did it for 25 years. I feel very disconcerted, I must say. I do admit I’m a bit of an antique, but that’s never seemed to matter until now."

The broadcaster said in a statement that it planned to run a series of special programmes with Brian, while a new voice would take over his spot on Sounds of the Sixties.

While a new presenter has yet to be officially announced, Sir Tim Rice has been temporarily standing in.

TWITTER

BBC Radio 2 revealed the news about Brian Matthew on Twitter

GETTY

Brian Matthew said he felt well enough to go back

A statement from the BBC read: "The production company that makes the show met with Brian recently and agreed that, due to his extended bout of ill health, it felt like the right time for him to step off the weekly treadmill of presenting the show."

Station boss, Lewis Carnie, added: "Brian is an outstanding presenter and, at 88, a radio legend. He has made the programme his own with his natural ability, passion and warmth and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has done for Sounds of the Sixties."

He added: "We're very sorry that Brian is unable to continue presenting every week, but hope to welcome him back to Radio 2 very soon."

Original Article