WIRRAL-born presenter Paul O’Grady has confirmed his BBC radio show has been taken off air until May. 

The TV star and comedian, originally from Birkenhead, announced that he will not be on the airwaves until May as comedian Rob Beckett takes over his BBC Radio 2 slot.

Paul - who came to fame in the 1980s as acid-tongued blonde bombshell Lily Savage. has a regular slot on Sundays although comedian Rob, will be taking over for the foreseeable.

In a statement on Instagram, the 66-year-old wrote: "I’m doing my best to look benign but Sausage has just spotted Nancy dragging a tea towel down the hall and as you can see she wants a bit of the action.

"It’s my last Radio2 Sunday show for quite sometime, our listening figures have shot up so a great big thank you to everyone who listens.

"While I’m on the subject I’d also like to thank my producer ( sounds very grand) Malcolm Prince who is one of the best in the business and hasn’t cracked once in the 14 years we’ve been on air."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Paul O’Grady (@paulogrady)

He continued: "There’s a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as it’s a management decision.

"So, all being well and providing I’m not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting,

"There’s a new regime now, I do 13 weeks on and then 13 off which is nothing to do with me as it’s a management decision.

"So, all being well and providing I’m not in India or Borneo, travel restrictions permitting, I should be back some time in May. Take it easy. X"

Listeners hit out at the decision to take Paul's show off the air until May.

One said: “So very sad about this "management" decision Paul. Why do they never ask the listeners for their views? Going to miss you and Malcolm so much.”

Another added: “Utter shame. You two are amazing and entertaining every Sunday and are always worth waiting for. 13 weeks is too long to wait but I’ll replay old episodes till then. Enjoy your travels and your break."