Why has Vanessa Feltz left BBC Radio 2 show and what’s she doing next?
Vanessa Feltz hosted her last BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show on July 29. She has now announced her next move, and the presenter is moving into the world of TV
Vanessa Feltz will host the new TalkTV drivetime show from September 5
Image: Talk TV press release)
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Last month, Vanessa Feltz recorded her last BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, along with her final BBC Radio London broadcast.
She had hosted the latter for almost 20 years, saying she “loved every moment” of it when she confirmed her departure.
The 60-year-old told her listeners that it had been “an honour and a privilege” to present the show for so long, but said it was time to spent more time with the family.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star’s retirement plans have been cut short though, as she is now moving into TV.
It comes after Paul O’Grady also confirmed he was leaving BBC Radio 2 after a 14-year stint on the station.
Why did Vanessa Feltz leave her radio show?
Vanessa Feltz quit her BBC Radio 2 show last month
Image:
( Getty Images)
When Vanessa confirmed her exit, she admitted that it was time to “catch up on a much-needed decade’s deficit of beauty sleep”.
She made no mention of what she was planning on doing next though, with some listeners assuming she was retiring from media completely.
In a statement, Vanessa wrote: “I have loved every moment with my Radio 2 ‘early birds’ and will miss my lovely listeners, jolly good fellows and beloved friends and colleagues at Radio 2 with all my heart.
“However, after almost 12 blissful years, I now need to step down to catch up on a much-needed decade’s deficit of beauty sleep.
“It’s been an honour and privilege to be the breakfast voice of BBC Radio London for 20 years and, although I’m leaving the show, I’ll continue to expect hugs from my lovely listeners when I see them on the streets of London.”
Vanessa also said she was looking forward to spending time with her family, including her fiancé Ben Ofoedu, 50.
She continued: “I will enjoy a dollop of energy-boosting shuteye to swing from ziplines with my three effervescent grandchildren and frolic with my fiancé, Ben, who irritatingly remains 10 years younger than me.”
What is Vanessa Feltz doing now?
Vanessa said she didn’t want to retire quite yet
Image:
( Dave Benett/Getty Images)
After a few weeks of catching up on that beauty sleep, Vanessa has confirmed her next move, and it isn’t retirement.
She may have left radio, but now she is stepping into the world of TV as TalkTV confirmed that Vanessa is joining the team.
The presenter has already made a few appearances on the show as a guest, and now she will permanently host the drivetime slot from 4-7pm Monday to Friday.
Vanessa excitedly said in a statement: “The allure of a retirement reclining on a chaise longue while the fragrant Ben peeled me a grape was fleeting.
“While there are politicians to be tackled, fat cats to be flattened, scams to expose and Lovely Listeners to champion, it’s my mission to breathe fire into the microphone.
“After an elegant sojourn at the BBC I am effervescent with joy at the invitation to unleash my hitherto hidden side on Talk TV.”
She will make her debut on the programme on September 5, giving her a few more weeks of rest and relaxation before the next big challenge in her life.
Vanessa continued: “I will relish full-throttled debate and the chance to have a personal passionate point of view at last. Even better, I’ll be at the reins of Drivetime. Lord what luxury!
“After years of 3.30am starts I’ll have a show without an alarm clock involved.
“If I terrified Mayor Sadiq Khan so acutely he never dared set foot in my studio on almost no sleep, tune in to see what I can achieve on a full eight hours shut-eye.
“I’ll be on ‘The Talk’ at 9pm two-three nights a week too. Times have never been tougher and neither have I.
“See you there 4pm from Monday September 5th and have a good lunch first. You’re going to need the calories!!”
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