After 45 years on air, a BBC radio star has quit, sharing that he was bringing his career to an ed with an emotional update about “hiccups” in his health
A beloved BBC Radio Wales star has quit his weekly show after 45 years on air. Roy Noble, 83, shared that he was bringing his career to an end after experiencing “hiccups” in his health.
Roy is stepping down from BBC Radio Wales, which he has been on since the 1980s. His career on the radio waves started with a weekly show called ‘Letter from Aberdare’, where he would write and read out a monologue, and he went on to present for BBC Radio Wales full-time, which ultimate earned him a CBE for services to the Welsh culture and language.
In a social media post from BBC Radio Wales, entitled ‘A letter from Roy Noble’, the broadcaster told fans it was time for him to retire. “My dear friends, compatriots and fellow travellers,” he wrote.
“After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided that next year will be the right time for me to step away from my Sunday programme on BBC Radio Wales.
“By the time I present my final show in March 2027, I will have spent 46 wonderful years with BBC Wales. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime.”
Roy added: “Radio has changed enormously over the years. Wales has changed too. But one thing has remained constant and that’s the privilege of being welcomed into your homes and lives.
“The signs that retirement was approaching may have included my growing suspicion that ‘apps‘ were invented purely to confuse me. The odd hiccup in health has sent signals too. But the truth is I’ve simply reached a point where it feels right to begin a new chapter.
“After all, November will mark 84 of my years of yore. Apparently, 63 is the sweet spot or happiest age to retire so I’ve added a few furlongs to that. But for now, I simply want to say a heartfelt thanks to you all. It’s been an honour.”
He finished by writing in Welsh, saying what translated to: “Heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you – it has been a privilege.” Roy also signed off with: “May you all have good health to spare, love to share, and good friends who care. Bless you all.”
A series of Welsh celebrities commented under the post to wish Roy well, including Katherine Jenkins, who said: “Roy you are such a legend. It was always a treat to be interviewed by you. Thank you for all the joy you have brought us over the years.”
BBC journalist Huw Thomas added that Roy’s time on the radio was “legendary”, and artist Nathan Wyburn thanked Roy for being the first person to interview him.
Prior to working on the radio, Roy was the head teacher of two primary schools in Powys and briefly taught in England as well. He also published a series of books over the years, including an autobiography written in Welsh and a book of Welsh folk stories.
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