AN iconic BBC Radio host has signed off from his final local show after 43 years with an emotional message.

The veteran presenter left fans devastated as he presented his final ever programme.

5

5

5

5

Tony Blackburn was a fixture of BBC Radio Berkshire, Oxford and Solent's schedules for decades.

However, earlier this year Tony announced he was stepping away to focus on other projects including his work with BBC Radio 2.

Closing the show on Sunday, Tony told viewers: "You'll never find another laugh like mine.

"43 years on BBC local radio and that's it as far as I'm concerned.

more on tony blackburn

that's a wrap

Tony Blackburn shares message to fans as he signs off from BBC radio show

tough time

Tony Blackburn reveals health battle so was serious his family came to say bye

"Thank you so much. I want to thank you very much indeed for listening to me over the years.

"It's been a pleasure being here and I look forward to being with you in other places.

"Once again thanks very much indeed for all the memories and all the lovely music, I hope you've enjoyed the music I've brought you on Sunday afternoons."

He concluded: "From me Tony Blackburn to BBC Local Radio, bye bye."

Most read in TV

LOSING THE PLOT

Real reason Corrie star left the soap after 11 years revealed

tough time

Pregnant Tiffany Watson in hospital as baby suffers 'high heart rate'

Choked Up

Jeremy Clarkson holds back tears thanking glam farmhand for 'saving his life'

TRAGIC STAR

Paul Danan's brother reveals agonising truth about star's relapse before death

Last December Tony announced he had quit his Soul on Sunday programme after 40 years.

Tony first found fame broadcasting on the pirate station Radio Caroline before joining the BBC.

BBC News' biggest blunders

The Beeb has suffered a number of gaffes recently, here we take a look at the biggest - and funniest - blunders to date

• Maryam Moshiri flashing her middle finger during a live bulletin
• Tongued-tied sports presenter Chetan Pathak dropping an X-rated word during report
• BBC Look North's Peter Levy asking viewers "how big their holes are" during innuendo-filled segment
• Newsreader Roger Johnson left scrambling after saying "cuckoo c*ck" instead of clock
• BBC Breakfast's Nina Warhurst mixing up the names of her co-hosts live on air
• News correspondent mistaken for shop staff and interrupted during report
• Lukwesa Burak left speechless after being caught stretching during a break
• Newsreader forced to run across the studio during epic camera mishap

I'm A Celeb champ Tony was the first DJ to broadcast on BBC Radio 1 at its launch in September 1967.

Meanwhile, Radio 4 show Tweet of the Day is to be officially removed from the Beeb's daily schedule.

The show will only air on Sundays going forward as part of a wide shake-up to the programming schedule in a bid to cut costs.

5