BBC uproar as radio host 'concedes defeat' by stepping down after 35 years on air
Former Emmerdale star Alex Hall has announced that she has presented her last show on BBC local radio.
A beloved BBC radio star has revealed that she has stepped down from her role after 35 years. She stunned listeners by revealing her time on air had come to an end and fans were quick to express their outrage.
Alex Hall, 74 - who also appeared in Emmerdale as the head teacher of Hotten Comprehensive, Jean Strickland, from 1999-2001 - took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce her departure from Radio Tee. In her post, she said she could not quite believe her 35 years on local radio were now over.
"This morning I did my last show on BBC local radio,” she wrote. “My regular programme ended in November, but I was asked to do some cover, which I was happy to do. Delaying the inevitable. Today I have to concede defeat. Thirty-five years in local and regional radio and it’s over. Wow."
Her listeners took to the comments section of her post to express their disappointment at the news. A user with the handle @RadloFanatic said: "What’s happening to BBC local radio is outrageous. Those in charge should be ashamed. All the very best to you Alex, thank you for your great service."
@RadioKate chimed in: "So sorry. Local radio is so important to so many." Former colleague @ColinHazelden added: "One of the greats Alex. Standing in for you on The Late Show all those years ago was a privilege because of the family of listeners you’d built. That’s such a skill. Big love x."
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@jded464 recalled: "I used to listen way back in the TFM days before work sent me south. Sorry to hear this and so sad that it's the latest in a long line similar news over the past year. There really is no sensible explanation."
@sportswrit2147 said: "You always did a brilliant job. Such a shame. BBC should be ashamed of themselves for the way you and others have been treated."
@mattdowson was another former colleague with fond memories, writing: "Thanks for everything x I worked on Radio Hallam, Lincolnshire and Leeds 1979-86, great memories."
@neilrudd shared: "Hi Alex, I remember you being so kind to me when I was doing my first nervy shifts at Radio Aire/Magic 828 way back in 1992! You was on lates and I was overnights. Not having a professional like yourself on air is criminal, what a waste. Sending best wishes x."
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Following stints on other local BBC radio channels, Ms Hall joined BBC Radio Tees in 2006, first hosting a mid-morning show from 10am until 1pm.
In 2009, she started hosting a weekly show on Sundays between 5pm and 7pm entitled Songs from the Shows.
In 2013, the show began to be simulcast on BBC Radio Newcastle and she was still presenting it until November last year.
A BBC spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Alex has been a huge part of the BBC Radio Tees family and we’d like to thank her for entertaining audiences across Teesside - particularly her care and passion in supporting musical theatre locally through Songs from the Shows. Alex is fantastic to work with and although her show will be really missed, we hope we will get to hear her on the station in future.”