AFTER 12 years at the station, the popular breakfast radio host Christian O'Connell has shocked listeners by revealing that he will leave his post with Absolute Radio.
The DJ, who has carved a successful career at the station over more than a decade, currently hosts the Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show from 6am on weekdays, and is described by the station as the "captain of our ship".
So it was a shock to his loyal army of listeners when he announced on yesterday's show that he was leaving the station in order to "head off on a new adventure", although claimed he could not yet reveal what he has planned next.
He confirmed the news on Twitter after the show.
So thats my news. I'm leaving my radio home for the last 12yrs @absoluteradio. I'm heading off to a big new adventure. Tell you what very soon but for now...I have such a heavy heart but its also full of gratitude and love at what I've been lucky enough to have in my life. x
— Christian O'Connell (@OC) January 23, 2018
But his fans - among them a number of celebrity listeners - were not entirely impressed with it.
Shane Richie, a fellow celeb of Irish descent, who previously starred in an Absolute Radio live show with O'Connell, tweeted that his morning banter was the only thing worth waking up for, adding that his "kids can drive themselves to school now".
NO.what is going on
Reality star president of the free world!
UKIP leader can't have a racist Doris on his arm !and now the ONLY good thing about waking up in this crazy outside toilet is pissing off & leaving us how fucking dare you! kids can drive themselves to school now ? https://t.co/83WD9OmqDD— Shane Richie (@realshanerichie) January 23, 2018
In a similar train of thought, Irish comedian Dara O'Briain tweeted O'Connell, claiming: "I always enjoyed doing your show, so screw you".
Well. Congratulations and best of luck with the next thing, but I always enjoyed doing your show, so screw you.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) January 23, 2018
However, fellow morning radio show presenter Chris Moyles wished his former competition well in a tweet, congratulating him on an "incredible run".
Congratulations @OC on an incredible run of shows for 12 years. All the best for your future plans pal.
Chris— Chris Moyles (@ChrisMoyles) January 23, 2018
Fellow comedian Jason Manford, who has previously stepped in to present O'Connell's show while he is on holiday, also added his thoughts.
So sorry to hear that the legendary @OC is leaving @AbsoluteRadio this year. Best of luck with whatever you do mate, it’s been a pleasure to listen to you and an honour to share a studio and act as cover over the summer.
— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) January 24, 2018
O'Connell, who was born in Winchester and whose paternal grandparents are Irish, is also a stand-up comedian, author, TV presenter and "self-confessed shabby Dad".
He reassured his many fans that they would not be rid of him entirely, claiming "I'll still be in your lives if you want that".
Oh I'll be still in your lives if you want that. Pods, apps, my ramblings will beam back to you https://t.co/PgPaxISP4Q
— Christian O'Connell (@OC) January 23, 2018
