A LONG-SERVING BBC radio star has stunned listeners by revealing her time on air has come to an end.
Taking to X to announce her departure from Radio Tees, Alex Hall, 74, admitted she couldn’t quite believe her 35 years on local radio was now over.
She wrote: “This morning I did my last show on BBC local radio. My regular programme ended in November, but I was asked to do some cover, which I was happy to do. Delaying the inevitable. Today I have to concede defeat. 35 years in local and regional radio and it’s over. Wow.”
The announcement came as a backlash continued against huge cuts by the BBC in its local radio teams across the country.
And Alex’s departure shocked her following, who made their feelings about the decision clear.
“What’s happening to BBC Local Radio is outrageous,” one listener fumed on X. “Those in charge should be ashamed. All the very best to you Alex, thank you for your great service.”
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Another said: “One of the greats Alex. Standing in for you on The Late Show all those years ago was a privilege because of the family of listeners you’d built. That’s such a skill. Big love x.”
A third posted: “A huge loss, Alex. You’re a fantastic broadcaster. I’m really sorry.”
The veteran broadcaster has also had a successful acting career, most notably starring in Emmerdale for two years from 1999 until 2001 as headteacher Jean Strickland.
Jean died in a hit and run accident that involve students from her school, Hotten Comprehensive.
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The mum-of-two also has acting credits for primetime shows including Coronation Street, Prime Suspect and kids’ favourite Byker Grove.
Her radio career began with a late night phone-in show in the 80s on independent station TFM based in the North East.
She was a regular voice on the airwaves late at night through the 90s at stations including Magic 828 and Network First, before joining BBC Radio York in 2000.
Her switch to Radio Tees following a three-year stint at Radio Leeds came in 2006 and she began with a mid-morning slot before moving on to a tea-time show.
Alex bowed out from her final programme, Sunday evening’s Songs from the Shows, in November.
