BBC star issues emotional statement as beloved show | UK News

Veteran broadcaster Billy Sloan has had his ultimate show as he posted an emotional farewell to followers. He penned on X: “Tonight will be my last show for BBC Radio Scotland after 11 years, so what was your favourite moment from a past programme? Was it a memorable interview with one of my big name guests who included Paul McCartney, U2, Elvis Costello and The Who. Join me tonight @BBCRadioScot at 10.” Fans rushed to say their goodbyes, as one said: “Billy, we’re about an hour behind tonight so you’re close to your signoff, so far the first hour has been uncredible, you will be missed. Thank you for the weekly entertainment for the last 11 years.”

Another added: “All your shows are great and we’re going to miss listening to you, Saturday nights won’t be the same. My most memorable moment was about 5 years ago, after over 3 years of listening to you, we finally sent you a twitter answer and were shocked to hear you read it aloud.” His exit comes after Sloan launched a scathing assault on BBC bosses following the news of his Saturday evening programme being axed by the broadcaster. Four BBC presenters, including Billy Sloan, Roddy Hart, Iain Anderson and Natasha Raskin Sharp, noticed their reveals axed before the end of 2025.

Billy announced his ultimate show would happen next month in a social media post. He wrote: “I will present my final show for BBC Radio Scotland next month. As you may have read in the papers, a new boss has taken over at the station and she’s making changes. I don’t figure in her future plans.”

He continued: “On Saturday December 27 I’ll reluctantly bring the curtain down on a very enjoyable 11-year period hosting the programme.”

Billy added: “I DON’T play the hits … the songs you keep hearing over and over again. Instead I prefer to give listeners the opportunity to enjoy alternative tracks they wouldn’t normally expect on the wireless.”

He concluded: “I can honestly say – hand on heart – that I’ve never played a single record I didn’t think was great.

“But it seems that in the new format that is being launched – reported in the press to be more of an “easy listening/broad mainstream appeal” – that is no longer what is required.

“Musically, I plan to go out with a bang with some special shows. Over the next few weeks, I’ll look back at the best of the interviews during that 11-year period, revisiting my conversations with stars such as Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, U2, Alice Cooper and Pete Townshend of The Who … to name but a few.

“I’ll also reveal my favorite singles, albums and gigs of 2025 with songs from Oasis, Simple Minds, Public Image Limited, Richard Ashcroft and Fontaines DC.

“Before bowing out with some of my all-time favourite compositions from artistes including David Bowie, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Orange Juice, Scott Walker and The Clash … with a few musical curve balls thrown in for good measure.

“I ship my heartfelt thanks to all the musicians I’ve had the pleasure to work with, and to my legions of loyal listeners who tune in every week – from all around the globe – responding enthusiastically to our matter.

“Your continued support is greatly appreciated.”