Heartbroken Radio Stars Bid Farewell to 20-Year Breakfast Show

Two radio hosts were left heartbroken as they revealed live on air that their breakfast show had been axed after 20 years.

Presenter John Dalziel, known as JD, choked back tears as he and co-star and Roisin McCourt confirmed that their Hits Radio West Midlands show would be coming to an end.

As part of a nationwide restructure, the duo’s popular regional show will be pulled from airwaves to make way for a national version, which will be fronted by Fleur East, Will Best and James Barr from June 9.

And just days away from their final show on June 6, JD appeared clearly moved by the axe as he struggled to find the words to break the news to their loyal listeners.

With his words almost cracking with emotion, JD said: ‘This is one of those moments that’s honestly really tough to kind of say out loud but we’ve got some news for you.

‘After almost 20 years of broadcasting around here, our show is coming to an end and we just wanna thank you because we’ve loved being part of your morning routine and can’t thank you enough for letting us into your lives.’

Two radio hosts were left heartbroken as they revealed live on air that their breakfast show had been axed after 20 years

Presenter John Dalziel, known as JD, choked back tears as he and co-star and Roisin McCourt confirmed that their Hits Radio West Midlands show would be coming to an end

Roisin then reflected on her years on the show, which transmits across Herefordshire on 97.6FM, during which she’s had children.

She said: ‘We have and from my point of view, I think I’ve had three children – they’re 13, they’re nine, they’re five – and I’ve been here waking you up every morning but now I’m gonna be at home waking them up, which they’re either gonna love or hate.

‘You’re also gonna see a crazy woman driving around Coundon in a Citreon so watch out for me, but honestly, it’s been absolutely incredible but 21 years is a very long time on a breakfast show and we really wanna thank you!’

JD then went on to reflect on their ‘incredible journey’ over 20 years in which they’d both gone through a plethora of life experiences.

He emotionally shared: ‘We’ve had an incredible journey. Y’know we’ve grown up on this show, we’ve lived our lives out loud. We’ve had kids, we’ve been through different partners, we’ve had breakups, we’ve had the lot.

‘But y’know what? There’s nothing more than the priviledge of broadcasting to the area that you call home. The place that you’re born and brought up with and that’s always gonna be incredibly special to me.

‘You shared your lives daily with us, y’know your weddings, your breakups. I think we’ve even got a couple of kids named after us somewhere round here.

‘From June 9th the all new breakfast show will be here. I know the guys well and they’re gonna give you a great wake up in the morning… They’ve got loads planned over the summer.’

Just days away from their final show on June 6, JD appeared clearly moved by the axe as he struggled to find the words to break the news to their loyal listeners

Roisin then reflected on her years on the show, which transmits across Herefordshire on 97.6FM, during which she’s had children

Fans were quick to share their reaction on the pair’s official X account, with some declaring they will no longer be listening when they leave

He then went on to pay tribute to his long-time co-star, remarking: ‘But I just wanted to say, the biggest thank you to firstly you [Roisin], you’ve been my partner in crime. You’ve been my daily giggle.

‘You’ve been the beating heart of this show. You’ve shared everything with not just me and Paul, but the whole of the West Midlands, and Paul I’m gonna miss the daily belly laugh everyday. You make everything funny even when it shouldn’t be.’

Fans were quick to share their reaction on the pair’s official X account, with some declaring they will no longer be listening when they leave.

‘I’ve said it elsewhere but I’m gutted, you guys make my hour long morning commute brighter. I’m so sad we are gonna lose local Djs, you guys are fab! @hitsradiouk @HitsWestMids have lost a listener here! Will make the most of you all until 6th June and wish you all well! Sad news.’

‘Well that’s us not listening in every morning then. Where are you guys going?’

‘Mornings won’t be the same without you three, I for one will be finding something else to listen to in the mornings.’

‘Absolutely gutted! Will miss you! Was worried this could have been on the cards with the rebrand and transitioning to National Shows rather than local. Know it may not be on the cards or even wanted by you three – but many listeners would follow you to whichever station you go.’