CHRIS EVANS WAVES GOODBYE TO RADIO 2 BUT WHO’LL TAKE HIS SLOT?
CHRIS Evans stunned Radio 2 listeners yesterday after announcing he was quitting his breakfast show live on air.
The popular presenter told his audience he is leaving to host a rival show on Virgin Radio.
Evans, 52, will broadcast his last Radio 2 breakfast programme in December, after eight years on the show and 13 years at the BBC station.
Zoe Ball was immediately installed as the bookies' favourite to replace him, with Sara Cox also in the running.
Evans, who is expecting twins with wife Natasha, became emotional as he announced he was leaving.
He told listeners: “Some of us are mountain climbers and, if you get to the top of your favourite mountain, you become a mountain observer, so I've got to keep climbing.
“I'm going to go and go again and I'm going to start up on a brand new adventure.”
The star said Virgin Radio was “in many ways my spiritual home”.
He added: “I see nothing but exciting and groundbreaking opportunities ahead.
“In a medium that is changing so quickly on a daily basis, the potential for growth is unprecedented.
“Our plan is to give it all we've got, see where we can get to and have the most possible fun along the way.”
The founder of Virgin Group Sir Richard Branson described the appointment as a “major coup”.
He said: “Like radio listeners across the UK, I can't wait to see what Chris comes up with for his new breakfast show. One thing I'm certain of is it is going to be a lot of fun.”
Evans previously hosted the breakfast show on Virgin from 1997 to 2001.
The star was recently named the second-highest earner at the BBC, according to its annual figures, taking home about £1.7million last year.
After yesterday's announcement, which took many by surprise, the broadcasting veteran said: “I have absolutely loved every single moment of my time at Radio 2. The last 13 years have flashed by in what seems like the blink of an eye. I have learnt so much from so many people to whom I will be eternally grateful.”
Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, said: “Chris has been a first-class presenter of the breakfast show. He has brought both warmth and an insight into what listeners want.”