Paul O'Grady has quit his Radio 2 show after more than a decade - with distraught fans saying Sundays will "truly not be the same".

The presenter, from Aldington near Ashford, has hosted his weekly programme since 2009, but is now leaving following a schedule change.

Since February, Mr O'Grady has been alternating the Sunday 5-7pm slot with comedian Rob Beckett, swapping for 13 weeks at a time. The 67-year-old told his Instagram followers the new arrangement was "nothing to do with me".

In a statement, Mr O'Grady said: "I've loved doing my Sunday afternoon show for the last 14 years and I'm going to miss my listeners as well as the fun I've had with my producer Malcolm Prince, but I feel that now is the right time to go."

In an Instagram video on Sunday he announced tonight will his last show, and explained the reason of his resignation.

He said: "Tonight is my very last show on Radio 2 after 14 years. I’ve never had a job for that long.

"I want to say thank you very much for listening, and for all your emails, and all your messages, and all the fun I’ve had over the years.

"A huge special mention to Malcolm Prince, my producer. I’ve been really lucky in my time to have worked with some smashing producers, and Malcolm is way up there, believe you me.

"The reason I’m leaving - because everybody’s asked me this - is because I wasn’t really happy with the 13 weeks on/13 weeks off business. I did the honourable thing: I honoured my contract, gave my notice in, and now I’m off."

One fan, reacting on Twitter, said: "Absolutely gutted but not surprised to hear that #PaulOGrady is leaving @BBCRadio2. Those at the top should ashamed at letting some of their best presenters go. Sundays will truly not be the same without you."

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: "I'd like to thank Paul for so many years of his brilliant Sunday afternoon show.

"I'm sorry to see him go, but I wish Paul the very best of luck for the future and hope to work with him again as the door is always open to him here at Radio 2."

Mr O'Grady's departure has come after a stream of older radio hosts, including Steve Wright and Tony Blackburn, have left the BBC amid more schedule changes.

Radio 2 fans were shocked at the BBC's decision to replace popular DJ Steve Wright with Radio 1's Scott Mills as the corporation sought to "try something different".

One listener said "He should've had his job for life." Others called it a "big mistake" and a "sad and bad move" from the BBC.

However, the decision was also praised, with some listeners saying that it was time for a change of host.

The BBC said: "Paul is much-loved by many of our listeners, and whilst we're making this change to Sunday afternoons, he very much remains a firm favourite here in Wogan House."

The celebrity's last day will be August 14 and his final show will feature his regular features, including Lost TV Theme, the Thank You Letter Of The Week and an unexpected playlist. The BBC confirmed Rob Beckett will return for at least another 13 weeks of shows from Sunday August 21.