Late night local radio presenters across the BBC say goodbye to listeners

Late Show presenters on BBC local radio stations in England have said goodbye to listeners ahead of a networked show starting on Monday.

Late Night Becky, with Becky Want, will air across the local network each weekday replacing regional output as previously revealed by RadioToday. Weekends will be hosted by Jo Good.

In the north west, a surprise moment took place during John Gillmore’s final programme on BBC Radio Lancashire and BBC Radio Cumbria on Thursday evening.

BBC Radio 2’s OJ Borg appeared on Gillmore’s show, with the pair revealing that Borg started out as a travel reporter during his programmes.

Chatting to Gilly, OJ said: “I did your travel news a million years and you were lovely then and still are and I wanted to be part of this final show.”

After hearing tributes from listeners and former guests, Gilly ended his show with the phrase: “Gilly has left the building”.

On Merseyside, Linda McDermott was joined by Radio City’s former late night host Pete Price. Together they looked back at all the years they have hosted late night radio in the region. Pete said: “It’s going to be the biggest loss to thousands that this mega talented Lady’s contract is not being renewed.”

In Manchester, Allan Beswick hosted his final late phone in on BBC Radio Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside on Saturday night. Allan has been hosting shows on local radio in the region since Red Rose Radio in the 1980s.

In Yorkshire, Russell Walker hosted his final show on Radio Sheffield, Lincolnshire, York, Humberside and Leeds.

On the South Coast, staff from BBC Radio Solent and neighbouring stations gathered to wish Paul Miller well after 35 years on the radio – 23 of those on the late show.

Paul said: “Wow, what a week. I cannot thank you enough for the kindness you have shown me, I am overwhelmed and speechless, and that doesn’t happen very often!

“I had 35 magnificent years at the BBC and made the best friends ever. I need a very large beverage now.”

In the north east, Steffen Peddie has hosted his last show and says he’s done with local radio for now. The comic said on Thursday: “Last live show done and just recording Fridays Big Quiz and that’s me finished for the time being with BBC Local Radio.

“It’s been great fun, and managed to sign off with this, one of the songs I love the most.”

Have we missed the ending of a show? Let us know – news@radiotoday.co.uk