Simon Mayo has joked he is leaving BBC Radio 2 because of Jo Whiley’s "hairy toes".
The 60-year-old DJ announced on Monday (22.10.18) that he is set to step down from his role hosting the drive time show alongside co-host Jo on the UK radio station, and has now joked his decision to quit was influenced by the sight of Jo’s hairy toes whenever she took her shoes off in the studio.
Speaking on their popular radio show, Jo said: "I’m just wondering was it the hairy toes when I got them out day-in and day-out? Could you bear it no longer? And my insistence that fancy dress would be a really good idea to do on this show? Am I running out of chances to get you to do the Cancer 5K?"
To which Simon jokingly replied: "Yes your hairy toes and your fear and hatred or raisins … OK, I will do the Cancer 5K with you."
In Simon’s original statement – which he posted on Twitter – he revealed his decision was actually influenced by his career as a writer, as he recently signed a new book deal which see him write two new books, as well as having his ‘Mad Blood Stirring’ tome into a movie.
And on his radio show – which he will leave in December – he said he was both "sad and excited" to be moving on to new projects.
He said: "I have, much to my surprise, decided to leave Radio 2 in December, I was expecting to do an Alan Keith or a Derek Jacobs and hang until I was 150 but circumstances change and next year was getting very busy and in 2019 the book that I mentioned which is The Itch Series is being made into a television series in Perth in Australia. And Mad Blood Stirring which is a book I wrote this year, that’s an ongoing film project and intend to work on both projects. And I have a new two book deal too, so my two publishers will be expecting a book very soon … I’m very sad to be leaving the show, I’m very sad to be leaving you [Jo Whiley], I’m very sad to be leaving Wogan House, I’m very sad to be leaving the whole production team, but excited at the same time, does that make sense to be sad and excited?"
Whilst Jo, 53, wished him all the best, and said she hoped he felt "very loved and respected" during his time at the radio station.
She said: "The main thing for me is that I hope today you have felt the tidal wave of love and respect that has come from you from all over the place.
"I hope you feel very loved and respected, I’m gutted that you’re leaving but I’m not going to go anywhere. I’m still going to be here on Radio 2, I’m going to be here Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7 until 9 plans for The Evening Session, it’s kind of what I do best and what I love best, new and vintage, RagnBone Man has already offered himself up for a session so I think we’re going strong so far."
Simon Mayo: Jo Whiley’s hairy toes made me quit BBC Radio 2
