Mayo leaves Radio 2 as Drivetime show takes wrong turn

Much criticised pairing with Jo Whiley ends amid denials of a rift

SIMON MAYO is to leave BBC Radio 2 after a backlash from listeners over his pairing with Jo Whiley.

The DJ yesterday announced he would depart to spend more time writing novels, after a troubled few months for the Drivetime show.

BBC bosses decided earlier this year that Whiley would share presenting duties, in part to address concern over a lack of female voices on the airwaves.

But listeners soon complained at a lack of chemistry between the new pairing. An online petition called “Bring back Simon Mayo and the dream team” gathered more than 10,000 signatures. The presenter himself admitted that the upheaval had been “difficult and upsetting”.

Within weeks of the relaunch the BBC issued a response, asking fans to let the show “settle” and to “give it a chance”. Lewis Carnie , Radio 2 controller, pledged changes, insisting “no show ends up where it starts”. But listeners were not reassured, and the complaints kept coming.

A source close to the show yesterday conceded there had been “difficulties”, but played down reports of a rift between the hosts, who have been friends for 25 years.

Announcing his departure yesterday, Mayo defended Whiley against “appalling abuse” directed at her on social media.

“I’ve loved working with the exceptional Jo Whiley and when the show was ‘reconfigured’ she was my first and only choice,” he said.

“Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another.”

It is the latest in a series of high-profile departures at the BBC in the wake of the row over gender pay.

Chris Evans announced in September that he was quitting Radio 2 and his breakfast show after 13 years, to return to Virgin Radio. And Eddie Mair left Radio 4’s PM programme for LBC.

Tony Hall, BBC directorgeneral, later said the row over pay was a factor in both stars choosing to leave.

Mayo, 60, said yesterday that he will remain at the BBC for the 5 Live Film Review he co-hosts with Mark Kermode, and that “other radio adventures beckon”. “But for now it’s just the sadness of leaving. Radio 2 has been a wonderful place for me – my happiest radio, I think.”

Whiley remains on the station but will move to 7-9pm, which means the Drivetime slot will get a new presenter.

Sara Cox is the favourite to take over, with Claudia Winkleman, Graham Norton and Richard Madeley also mentioned.