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      BBC left reeling as Radio 1 Breakfast show beaten in listener figures for first time with Virgin Radio soaring up charts

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      BBC radio bosses were left reeling yesterday after the latest listening figures slumped across all stations — including for some flagship shows.Meanwhile commercial radio is roaring ahead — with thousands more tuning in to Virgin Radio and Heart FM.
      Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston’s breakfast show on Heart has overtaken Greg James’ Radio 1 show in the same slotCredit: Eroteme
      The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin saw big gains, with its reach up seven per cent year-on-year and hours listened up 11 per centCredit: Dan Charity – The Sun
      The industry figures for the last quarter of 2023 made grim reading for BBC top brass, with commercial stations adding one million listeners year-on-year to reach a total of 39.1 million people.
      By comparison Radio 1 lost almost two million listeners over the same period, with 31.3 million now tuning in. Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston’s breakfast show on Heart also overtook Greg James’ Radio 1 show.
      According to audience polls by Rajar, 3.99 million listeners chose Holden and Theakston over 3.92 million for Greg.
      Greg’s figure is boosted to 4.3m if listeners aged 10-15 are included, something commercial stations don’t record.
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      Radio 2, 3, 4, 5 Live and 6 Music also lost listeners. Radio 4’s audience was down ten per cent, while its flagship programme Today also shed audience members. In 2022 6.2 million people tuned into Radio 5 Live but that fell to 5.9 million.
      Holden and Theakston have been at the helm of Heart’s breakfast show since 2019. A source said: “This is a real kick in the teeth for the BBC. One of the biggest problems is that Amanda and Jamie — Amanda in particular — are brilliant in the art of self-promotion.
      “They use social media so effectively. And given these latest stats, it’s clearly paying off.”
      The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin saw its reach up seven per cent year-on-year and hours listened up 11 per cent.
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       Virgin Radio network reached 1.8 million people, with 11.6 million listening hours, up 4.7 per cent.
      BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore said yesterday: “There’s fierce competition for people’s time and with the success of global streamers and digital listening reaching record levels, we know that audience habits are changing.”
      Holden and Theakston have been at the helm of Heart’s breakfast show since 2019. A source said: ‘This is a real kick in the teeth for the BBC’Credit: Rex More

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      ‘A trailblazer – rave in peace’ say Radio 1 DJs as music legend Annie Nightingale dies at age 83

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      THE great and the good of Radio 1 have paid tribute to legendary DJ Annie Nightingale. The broadcaster sadly passed away at her home in London at the age of 83 following a short illness.
      Stars from BBC Radio 1 flocked to social media to pay tribute to the starCredit: Rex
      She was known for her trailblazing stint as the first female DJ at the stationCredit: Rex
      Now, presenters from across the radio industry – including some of the biggest stars of BBC Radio 1 – have taken to social media to pay tribute to an icon.
      BBC Radio Wales presenter Huw Stephens stated: “Annie Nightingale. Thanks for everything. RIP.”
      Trevor Nelson from Radio 1Xtra and Radio 2 gushed: “Dear Annie , you were more than just a trailblazer for women on radio, you made me feel like music broadcasting is for life. Rave in peace 💙.”
      Fellow Radio 2 personality Jo Whiley wrote: “The coolest woman who ever graced the airwaves. She blazed a trail for us all and never compromised. Her passion for music never diminished. Annie – My utmost respect and thanks for it all. Much love Jo 🖤.”
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      Dance Party Friday star Danny Howard posted: “Very sad to hear the news of Annie Nightingale passing 💔 An all time radio great and an inspiration to many! I was in awe of her knowledge and passion for music, the way she talked about it and the stories she had! Such a kind soul and will be missed. Thank you Annie R.I.P 🕊️😢.”
      “If you’re a young person, make your life exciting now. Make this decade the thing that you’re excited about. Come on! Use it now! Don’t look back. I don’t look back.’ – RIP Annie Nightingale,” added Zane Lowe.
      Stone Roses singer Rowetta also took to X – formerly known as Twitter – as she remembered the star.
      She said: “Rest In Peace you absolute 👑 Annie Nightingale.Always so lovely to me, from the first time we met in 1990.Beautiful legend! 🙌🏽❤️.”
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      Annie was best known for her trailblazing stint as the first female DJ on Radio One in 1970.
      As part of the job, she launched the careers of dozens of unknown artists.
      Her family confirmed that the radio star passed away yesterday at her London home after a “short illness”.
      They said: “Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many.
      “Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.
      “Never underestimate the role model she became. Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard.
      “Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock ‘n’ roll.”
      The family also added that a celebration of Annie’s life will take place at a memorial service in the spring.
      Annie died at the age of 83 following a short illnessCredit: Rex
      Personalities from across the radio industry fondly remembered AnnieCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Her family confirmed a memorial services will be held in the springCredit: Getty More

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      Huge BBC star misses show – with stand-in forced to come to the rescue

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      ZOE Ball was forced to miss her Radio 2 show today after falling ill with Covid – but a well-known face came to the rescue.Gaby Roslin took to the helm this morning and is also expected to host again next week while Zoe recovers.
      Zoe Ball was unable to host her show todayCredit: PA:Press Association
      Gaby chatted to Nigella Lawson and Jack Whitehall todayCredit: Radio 2 Breakfast Show – listen back on BBC Sounds
      Gaby told the listeners: “I am here today because poor all Zoe is not well, get well soon Zoe.
      “But you have got me.”
      She later added: “She’s got Covid. She is gutted not to be here. We were messaging each other yesterday and she is really sorry not to be here.”
      Zoe has hosted the Breakfast Show for four years so far after taking over from Chris Evans.
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      Gaby was joined by  Nigella Lawson and Jack Whitehall for Friends Round Friday
      During the interview with Nigella, Gaby was left shocked when the famous cook reveals she doesn’t own an ironing board.
      She told a horrified Gaby:  “I steam, I don’t iron and as you can see I’m not a particularly uncrumpled person in my natural state.”
      Jack meanwhile admitted he wasn’t prepared for Christmas, joking: “ Nothing, I’m like wait until the very last minute.
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      “Head to the local petrol station, just buy last minute gifts. I have no prep whatsoever and find it very stressful so just leave it all to the last minute.”
      Nigella and Jack spoke about their festive plansCredit: Radio 2 Breakfast Show – listen back on BBC Sounds More

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      Huge BBC star steps down from popular show more than 40 years after it started

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      A TOP BBC presenter has quit his fan-favourite role – leaving listeners devastated.The star’s final shows will air this weekend with the broadcasting stalwart – who has presented on the station since 1981 – announcing on X that he is quitting with immediate effect.
      A top BBC presenter has devastated fans after announcing they are standing down from their showCredit: Getty
      Tony Blackburn, 80, will present his final BBC Radio London shows this weekendCredit: BBC
      He found fame on BBC Radio London in the SixtiesCredit: Getty
      Tony Blackburn, 80, has revealed he will be leaving his BBC Radio London programme ahead of the Christmas break.
      Yet he will be retaining his BBC Radio 2 show, in news sure to soften the blow for fans.
      Tony, who first found fame broadcasting on the pirate station Radio Caroline before joining the BBC, wrote a lengthy message on his page.
      He wrote: “Hi everyone, just thought I’d let you know that after many happy years on @BBCRadioLondon I have decided to leave the station and this Sunday will be my last Soul On Sunday.
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      “Over the years we have had a lot of fun with some fantastic live shows for Children in Need and have played some great music.
      “I will still be continuing @BBCBerkshire @BBCOxford and @BBCRadioSolent on Sunday afternoon and of course on the great@BBCRadio2.
      “This is totally my decision and thanks to the many happy years there, but time to move on. Thanks for listening.”
      I’m A Celeb champ Tony was the first DJ to broadcast on BBC Radio 1 at its launch at the end of September 1967.
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      Fans were quick to react to his online statement, with one writing: “You will certainly be missed Tony, by me & many many others. Wish You All The Best! x.”
      Another put: “Blimey! You’re a national treasure so don’t bury yourself too deep,” as a third wrote: “Goodbye farewell thank you for the laughs the music and you Mr B.”
      One then added: “So sorry Tony, but glad we’ll still be able to still hear you elsewhere. You’re a great person and advocate for animals! All the best.”
      Another added: “Tony you deserve at least a bit of a break from your busy schedule. Still hard at it after all these years, you have played the sound tracks to so many lives in those years.
      “Long may it continue, you are an inspiration.”
      Meanwhile, Tony is slimming down his work schedule after he revealed his sepsis battle back in April.
      He also gave a major health update a few weeks later, after missing a slew of his Radio 2 shows.
      In April, Tony was forced to pull out of the programme on doctors’ orders
      Concern was first sparked among Radio 2 listeners in March when he was absent from his popular programme.
      At the time, former I’m A Celeb winner Tony explained that he was adhering to medical advice to rest after picking up a chest infection.
      Previously, Tony revealed he will need more outpatient care to treat the aftermath of his illness.
      The stalwart of the radio industry has previously hit out at TV stars being given radio shows off the back of their fame.
      He said: “Very few people are good on television and radio, I always preferred radio.
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      “Noel Edmonds was good on both but he preferred television because he realised there was more money.
      “Nowadays, it’s reversed a bit. Quite often now you’ve got television people, who don’t really know what they’re doing on the radio, it’s a shame.”
      Tony made his exit statement on XCredit: Handout
      His career changes come after Tony revealed his sepsis battle in AprilCredit: PA:Press Association
      Fans can continue to enjoy Tony on his BBC Radio 2 show and on other channelsCredit: Rex More