Simon Mayo quits BBC Radio 2

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Simon Mayo has quit BBC Radio 2.

The 60-year-old DJ has decided to leave the drive time show on the UK radio station to focus on his book writing career, as he needed to let go of one of his jobs to allow him to work on his popular tomes.

Simon says he's "sad" to be leaving his co-host Jo Whiley behind at Wogan House, but admits "juggling" the two jobs was proving "increasingly tricky".

In a series of tweets, he announced: "So. A few things to say. Very sadly, I have decided to move on from Radio 2. Sad to leave the show, sad to leave Jo, sad to leave Wogan House (I thought I'd be dragged out aged 120). But circumstances change...

"Juggling my writing and radio has become increasingly tricky (a nice problem to have). I've just signed a new 2 book deal with the nice folk at Transworld and they'll be expecting something half decent before too long.

"On top of that my 'Itch' books are about to be filmed for television in Australia and the work turning 'Mad Blood Stirring' into a movie continues apace.

"I know, I know, I'm as surprised at this turn of events as you. But at my grand old age to be setting off on these brand new trails is enormous fun. And all the more so for being so unexpected.There are, however, only so many hours in a day."

Simon will still be keeping his foot in radio work as he will continue co-hosting his 5Live show with Mark Kermode.

The broadcaster also insisted that he has the upmost respect for his colleague Jo, and labelled rumours they did not get on as "appalling".

He added: "I'll continue with the (flagship) film show on 5Live with Mark Kermode and, beyond that, other radio adventures beckon! But for now it's just the sadness of leaving. Radio 2 has been a wonderful place for me-my happiest radio I think. Our listeners are really quite extraordinary.

"One other thing. Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not but so there is no room for argument I'll be clear. I've loved working with the exceptional Jo Whiley and when the show was 'reconfigured ' she was my first and only choice.

"Some of the abuse she has had here has been appalling. Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another.

"So by all means discuss what's happening here, but let's keep some civility. Thank you. Here endeth the lesson. And (one very final thing), as anyone who has worked here will attest, the producers and APs are a class apart. Brilliant production teams make our jobs a joy.

"Thanks to each and every one.

"Onwards. (sic)"

Simon's departure follows Eddie Mair moving to LBC and Chris Evans joining Virgin Radio's breakfast show.