Simon Mayo quits Radio 2 Drivetime show, denies rift with co-host Jo Whiley

Presenter said work commitments in radio and writing had become 'increasingly tricky'

Simon Mayo is leaving BBC Radio 2 after seven years, quitting the station's Drivetime show just five months after his co-host Jo Whiley was brought in.

In a series of tweets, the 60-year-old said that balancing his writing and radio commitments had become "increasingly tricky".

He denied that his decision to quit had anything to do with Whiley joining the show following a report in The Sun that claimed he was leaving after being "forced" to work with her.

The DJ, who has hosted Drivetime since 2010, said he "loved" working with Whiley and added she had been his "first and only" choice when the show was reconfigured. Whiley's appointment made her the first female daytime presenter on Radio 2 in 20 years.

"Juggling my writing and radio has become increasingly tricky (a nice problem to have)," Mayo said. "I've just signed a new 2 book deal with the nice folk at Transworld and they'll be expecting something half decent before too long.

"On top of that my Itch books are about to be filmed for television in Australia and the work turning Mad Blood Stirring into a movie continues apace.

"I know, I know, I'm as surprised at this turn of events as you. But at my grand old age to be setting off on these brand new trails is enormous fun. And all the more so for being so unexpected. There are, however, only so many hours in a day."

Addressing reports of a rift between himself and Whiley, he added: "One other thing. maybe it needs to be said, maybe not but there is no room for argument so I'll be clear. I've loved working with the exceptional Jo Whiley and when the show was 'reconfigured' she was my first and only choice.

"Some of the abuse she has had here has been appalling. Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another. So by all means discuss what's happening here, but let's keep some civility. Here endeth the lesson."

Whiley is also leaving the Drivetime show, moving to a 7pm-9pm, Monday to Thursday slot to present a new music show. Responding to Mayo's departure she said: "I'm incredibly sad that Simon has decided to leave Radio 2. He's a brilliant broadcaster, a great friend and I really will miss working with him."

She added: "I'm very much looking forward to hosting a new show for a new year which will have music at the very heart of it as well as guests and live sessions. Dream show, actually. Can't wait!"

The BBC has said it has yet to schedule an end date for Mayo and Whiley's Drivetime show. Further details of the early evening Radio 2 schedule will be announced in the near future.