ASCOT resident Chris Evans has announced he is stepping down as the Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter.

The broadcaster announced the news during his show on Monday (3) morning.

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

He first joined Radio 2 in September 2005 as the host of the Saturday afternoon show, before moving to the drive-time slot in April the following year.

He took over the Breakfast Show slot from Sir Terry Wogan in January 2010, and the station has seen peak audiences of 9.91m.

Chris said: “I have absolutely loved every single moment of my time at Radio 2. The last 13 years have flashed by in what seems like the blink of an eye. I have learnt so much from so many people to whom I will be eternally grateful.

"As Sir Terry said before me, there’s never a right time to leave something you love but there might be a wrong time if you hang on too long. I honestly think The Breakfast Show is currently as positive, useful, sunny and inclusive as it has ever been. In fine shape for its next custodian. Whoever that turns out to be, I wish them all the very best, they are in for an absolute blast.”

Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC, 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 percent 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.”

Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2, said: “Over the past eight years on Breakfast, Chris has built an incredibly close relationship with the Radio 2 audience. I’d like to thank him, on behalf of them all, for becoming their friend via the airwaves. We look forward to launching a brand new Radio 2 Breakfast Show early in the New Year.”