Another stalwart of BBC Radio 2's Sunday schedules is leaving. The Reverend Canon Roger Royle has announced that he will retire from presenting Sunday Half Hour next month.
Rev Royle has presented the weekly show of hymns and prayers for 16 years, as well as regularly featuring on the Pause for Thought feature on Wake Up To Wogan, which he will continue to contribute to.
He says: "I'm very grateful for the many opportunities I've been given especially being able to spend almost every Sunday evening with my listeners for the past 16 years but I have decided the time has come for me to take life that little bit easier and let someone else care for my listeners. I am sure some of them will miss me but I am sure some of them will be ironing the flags!"
As well as Sunday Half Hour, Roger has presented Good Morning Sunday and A Royle Tour. In addition he has fronted his own TV series for Southern Television and Ulster Television, and been a regular presenter of BBC One's Songs Of Praise.
Radio 2 Controller Lesley Douglas says: "For almost two decades of Sunday Half Hour, Roger Royle has been there for Radio 2 listeners, and for the nation. He has celebrated with us, entertained us, and has provided solace in the difficult times. He will be missed for his unique role in the life of Radio 2 listeners every Sunday evening and will be a very hard act to follow."
Roger's last show will be on Sunday 8 April (Easter Day).
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