Tony Blackburn has quit BBC Radio London after four decades.

Tony Blackburn is stepping down from his long running show

Tony Blackburn is stepping down from his long running show

The 80-year-old broadcaster - who started at the station in 1981, having first joined the BBC in the 1960s - has revealed this weekend will be his final show.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: "Hi everyone, just thought I’d let you know that after many happy years on @BBCRadioLondon I have decided to leave the station and this Sunday will be my last Soul On Sunday.

"Over the years we have had a lot of fun with some fantastic live shows for Children in Need and have played some great music.

"I will still be continuing @BBCBerkshire @BBCOxford and @BBCRadioSolent on Sunday afternoon and of course on the great

@BBCRadio2.

"This is totally my decision and thanks to the many happy years there, but time to move on. Thanks for listening."

The former 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' winner - who won the inaugural series in 2002 - was the first DJ to air on BBC Radio 1 after its launch in 1967.

Fans hailed him as a "national treasure" following the BBC Radio London announcement.

One listener replied: "You will certainly be missed Tony, by me many many others. Wish You All The Best! x (sic)"

Another fan added: "Goodbye farewell thank you for the laughs the music and you Mr B."

And a third person said: "Blimey! You’re a national treasure so don’t bury yourself too deep!"

At the beginning of the year, Tony - who later had to step back in the spring following his sepsis battle and a chest infection - was adamant he has no plans to retire.

He told The Lady magazine: "I'm still doing it now because I want to, not because I have to. It's exhausting, really, to be so ambitious. But the day I don't think I can do it properly any more I will give up.

"Keeping your brain active is really important. If you are lucky enough to enjoy your job, as I do, try to keep working. People who retire early can sometimes go to pot.

"I can understand people retiring if they don't like their job, but the only reason I would is if I suffered from bad health.

"Until then I want to keep going as long as I can. I'm very, very lucky to be enjoying this part of my life - and I'm not under any pressure to prove myself.”