Chris Evans quitting Radio 2 show

  • Video report by ITV News correspondent Juliet Bremner

Chris Evans has announced he is quitting his Radio 2 breakfast show and leaving the station.

The 52-year-old, the second-highest earner at the BBC according to its annual figures, became emotional as he announced the news to his listeners.

He will broadcast his last show in December, 13 years after presenting his first programme for the station.

Evans, who is expecting twins with wife Natasha, said: “Some of us are mountain climbers and, if you get to the top of your favourite mountain, you become a mountain observer, so I’ve got to keep climbing.

“I’m going to go and go again and I’m going to start up on a brand new adventure.”

Evans will be returning to Virgin Radio almost 20 years after he left the station, taking over the breakfast show in the new year.

He added: "You have to keep shaking it up.

“It’s been brilliant. It will continue to be brilliant.”

Earlier, he warned listeners there would be an announcement, saying: “I just want you to know that I love you to death. We all love you to death.”

Evans announced in April that he and his wife are expecting twins.

The couple already have a son called Eli.

Chris Evans and his wife Natasha Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA

Evans first joined Radio 2 in September 2005 as presenter of the Saturday afternoon show.

He moved to the drivetime slot in 2006.

Evans took over from Sir Terry Wogan as the host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show in January 2010.

The broadcaster was named Sony Music Radio Personality of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2009 and Best Music Radio Breakfast Show award in 2016.

The programme currently has a weekly audience of more than nine million, making it the UK’s most listened-to radio programme.

BBC figures published earlier in the summer revealed that the broadcaster and former Top Gear host is earning between £1.6 million and £1,669,999 for his Radio 2 Breakfast show.

He was the second-highest earner on the BBC list, one place below Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker.

Chris Evans took over the breakfast show from the late Terry Wogan. Credit: PA

BBC director general Tony Hall said: "Chris has been an absolutely first-class presenter of the Breakfast Show.

"He has brought both warmth and a genuine insight into what listeners want.

"He has given 100% to each of his BBC projects, including raising millions of pounds for Children In Need. I'd like to thank him for all his efforts over the years and wish him all the best for the future."

Following Evans' announcement, former Radio 1 Breakfast Show host Zoe Ball tweeted: "Flippin 'eck. CHRIS EVANS. You absolute legend. Always been such an inspiration, all learnt so much from you. Proper shocker on a Monday morning. You will be most missed Mr Big."