Chris Evans urges listeners 'not to shed too many tears' as he says a festive farewell to BBC Radio 2

The broadcaster is leaving the breakfast show after eight years
Farewell: Chris Evans has said goodbye to the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show
BBC
Natasha Sporn24 December 2018

Chris Evans urged fans “not to shed too many tears” as he bid farewell to his BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show after eight years.

Evans said a special goodbye to the flagship slot on Christmas Eve, having been at the helm since 2010 and at the station since 2005.

“It is sad. It's a sad day today. But it is also an exciting day for everyone,” he said.

“You've got to turn the pages sometimes. If you wait for other people to turn them it might never happen, you know what I am saying?

Replacement: Zoe Ball will take over from Chris Evans in January (BBC/Sarah Jeynes)
BBC

“Please don't shed too many tears during our final morning.” He then read out messages from listeners all over the country.

He also looked back at some of the show’s highlights including the Royal Wedding earlier this year and his first ever show in January 2010.

Later in the show, a choked up Evans paid tribute to the BBC and to the show, as well as his "superb" agent Michael.

He said: "Thank you for everything. Thank you the BBC for supporting me and trusting me with the microphones. All that amazing music right here in Sir Terry’s studio. Thank you to everyone who has ever produced the show or had anything to do with the stellar content I have been gifted.

“Thanks you for my superb agent Michael – we’ve been together longer than any of our marriages. There have been five. Without his love and loyalty I wouldn’t actually be here now. I love you all.”

Evans, who announced he was leaving the network earlier this year to “keep on climbing the mountain”, will be replaced by fellow Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball in the New Year.

Emotional tweets from fans saying goodbye flooded in, with many hailing today the “end of an era”.

One wrote: “All the best Chris and team. Thank you for the morning entertainment.”

Another said: “You have been absolutely brilliant and have started my mornings with a bounce - best wishes fella - merry christmas to the worlds best DJ.”

A third wrote: “Thank you for brightening up my morning drive to work @achrisevans & all the breakfast team! Happy Christmas to you all. Best of luck to Chris and everyone.”

Evans will be returning to Virgin Radio after two decades away from the commercial broadcaster, for a self-titled show from January 21.

Chris Evans - In pictures

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Meanwhile, It Takes Two host Ball will take over the Radio 2 slot on Monday January 14, having been revealed as the new host live on air earlier this year.

Upon the announcement of her new role, Ball said: "To be the first woman to present this very special show is both an honour and privilege.

"Believe me, I'm not underestimating the enormity of the task ahead, to follow not one but two of my broadcasting idols, into such a well-loved show is somewhat daunting.

"I hope, in the same way that Chris made this show his own after taking over from the wonderful Sir Terry Wogan, that with a top team alongside me, I can bring the fabulous Radio 2 audience a show they want to wake up to."

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