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This weekend, BBC Radio London listeners tuned in for Tony Blackburn’s final Soul On Sunday show. The 80-year-old has been a part of the station since 1981, but made the decision to step down.
At the start of the hour-long show, the presenter told people they were going to have some fun for his final Soul on Sunday instalment. After playing a range of popular Motown music spanning across the decades, it was time for his last sign-off.
When the show drew to a close, he said: “That’s it, I’ve been with you for a long time here on BBC Radio London playing this wonderful music. I want to thank you very much indeed for being a part of it and listening in every week.
“I want to thank all of the people I’ve worked with here at this radio station. Thanks to Oliver Barnett who produces the show.”
“Thank you so much, have a lovely Christmas from me Tony Blackburn, bu-bye,” The last song Tony played for fans was The Fatback Band’s song I Found Lovin’
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The Radio presenter announced his departure from the station last week as he took to Twitter to share the news.
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.
“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 off course on the great @BBCRadio2.
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“’This is totally my decision and thanks to the many happy years there, but time to move on. Thanks for listening.”
In a later follow-up tweet, Tony thanked his followers for kind messages before assuring them he wasn’t completely leaving Radio.
He revealed that there will be two Sounds Of Soul shows coming up on BBC Radio Two, one on December 26 and the other on New Year’s Day.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Tony has been a huge part of BBC Radio London for a long time and we’d like to thank him for everything he has done for the station.
“He very much remains a valued part of the wider BBC Radio family and will continue to broadcast as usual across BBC Radio Berkshire, Oxford & Solent, and nationally on his BBC Radio 2 show at the weekend.”
Since the news of his departure from the station, the 80-year-old has been inundated with messages highlighting what a shame it was he’d decided to leave the show.
However, the presenter has made it clear on social media that it was his own decision to step down from Soul on Sunday.
BBC Soul On Sunday is available to listen to on BBC Sounds
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