Simon Mayo is to leave BBC Radio 2 later this year

What on earth is going on at the BBC?

There have been a lot of changes at the BBC as of late, so much so that employee turnaround has become like a revolving door. First DJ Semtex, then Chris Evans, Charlie Sloth, Matt LeBlanc, and now Simon Mayo. Simon Mayo, who currently presents the 5-8pm weekday BBC Radio 2 show with Jo Whiley, has decided to leave later this year to work on a variety of projects. He will however continue to co-host Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review on BBC Radio 5 Live with Mark Kermode on Fridays, so he's not totally abandoning the BBC. Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2, said of Simon's departure:

"Simon is a fantastic broadcaster, and I’d like to thank him for entertaining millions of Radio 2 listeners with his wit and warmth over the years. Everyone at the station wishes Simon the very best of luck for what promises to be a very exciting future, and he'll be missed at Wogan House. With Simon leaving, we’ve taken this opportunity to take a fresh look at the schedule, and create a show for Jo which will focus on her passion for music."

In January Jo Whiley will launch a brand new show Monday - Thursday, 7-9pm, featuring the very best in new music and live sessions. Jo will also continue to present the Radio 2 In Concert series and will also be standing in for Ken Bruce in 2019 when he is away. Simon said:

"Obviously, I’m very sad to be leaving Radio 2, and my good friend Jo. However, 2019 looks like being incredibly exciting for me. I have a new two book deal with Transworld, my children’s series Itch is being filmed for TV in Australia in early 2019, and I’m continuing to develop my novel Mad Blood Stirring for a movie with screenwriter Jack Thorne. Plus the film show with Mark Kermode continues on 5 Live. "Radio 2 has been a quite wonderful experience - my happiest in radio I think - but new adventures beckon and I cannot wait to get started."

From 2001-2007 Simon presented the Radio 2 Album Chart Show, whilst also presenting 5 Live's afternoon show between 2001 and 2009. He presented Radio 2 Drivetime from January 2010 to May 2018, when he hosted a new extended 5-8pm show with Jo Whiley.