25 February 2024 , 12:34
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Graham Norton bid an emotional farewell to Virgin Radio today as he told his fans he'd been "so happy here".
The Irish chat-show host, 60, made the surprise departure announcement on his Saturday morning show, saying he wanted to have his “weekends back” after 13 years of presenting.
However, after reading out a flurry of good luck messages from his legion of loyal listeners during his last show today, Graham admitted he was sad to be leaving, saying: "I am very grateful for all your messages, it's become embarrassing. I have to think Chris Evans for creating the opportunity, he was all gung-ho that I came here. Thanks also to the big bosses, regulars Martha and Maria, all the guests and thanks to all the people on the other side of glass.
Graham Norton joined Virgin Radio in 2021 (PA)
The star admitted he 'wanted his weekends back' (Getty Images Europe)Graham continued: "It's a really lovely place to work and I've only had good times here. My final thank you is to you for listening and sharing your lives with us. It's been a privilege to sit here and share your weekends with you. Goodbye and thank you!"
And as he hung up his headphones for the last time, the star decided to play the first song he played on the station back in 2021 - 'Hung up' by the "Mighty Madge", Madonna.
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The broadcaster, who joined Virgin Radio in 2021 following a decade on BBC Radio 2, confirmed he would still be “popping up on the station from time to time” after his weekend role comes to an end. Graham also apologised for not announcing the news of his departure sooner as he admitted: "We've known for some time".
Kicking off his last Sunday show, he declared “Well, here we go, one last gallop around the paddock." The star's long-standing presenting partner Maria McErlane also joined the Dublin-born host for another edition of Graham’s Guide, which sees the pair try to help listeners find a solution to their problems.
As she bid farewell to her pal, who she has worked with for years, she said: "It does feel like a divorce after marriage without sex for 13 years, doesn't it?" Laughing, Graham agreed, as Maria told listeners they had lost four dogs between them, both written books and lost a queen while gaining a king during their time together on the airwaves.
Before his Sunday show started, the star shared a selfie of himself in the Virgin Radio presenting chair on Instagram, writing: “Here we go! One last spin!! Thanks to everyone @virginradiouk and everyone who has listened along the way!!! Three hours to go – must not swear!!!”
During his Saturday stint on the station, Graham confirmed fellow Irish presenter Angela Scanlon, who competed on Strictly Come Dancing last year, will fill in his 9.30am to 12.30pm slot for the next few weeks before “various announcements” on who will take over the slot permanently.
Virgin Radio Content Director Mike Cass said: "Graham Norton has delighted Virgin Radio's weekend listeners for the last three years. He steps back from the weekend show with our thanks and with our delight that he remains part of the wider Virgin Radio family. His are big boots to fill, and we'll be announcing the owner of those feet in the weeks to come."