A POPULAR BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter is leaving his show prompting a strong reaction from disappointed listeners.

Malcolm Boyden will be leaving the mid-morning show on BBC Hereford and Worcester on Friday, October 6.

Making the announcement live on air, he said: "I am really sorry to have to tell you this. It has been decided that I will no longer be the presenter of your mid-morning show.

"I have said many hellos and many goodbyes, but I think this has to be the hardest one.

"Of course, you have heard about the changes to BBC local radio, and because of those changes, it has been decided that I will no longer be presenting this show.

"How do I feel? awful. It has been my pride and joy. However, it has been a real pleasure and a real joy. We will be saying goodbye on Friday, October 6."

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The news comes after Andrew Easton announced earlier this month that he will be leaving the station, with his last show to be broadcast on Saturday, September 30.

Mr Boyden did say that he will still be doing "bits and bobs" for the station in the coming months. 

Following the news, Boyden's fans took to social media to let BBC Hereford and Worcester know of their disappointment.

Eva McIntyre said: "Well BBC Hereford and Worcester, that’s me out. To lose such a popular, gifted presenter is stupidity of the most profound level.

"Malcolm Boyden is one of the best broadcasters on radio. He has given his all, especially through lockdown but this is how you treat him. October 6 is tuning out day."

Ben Hurdman said: "BBC Hereford and Worcester, October 6 will be my final day of listening. What on earth are you thinking removing Malcolm Boyden from the daytime show?

"Cost cutting to improve online presence. What a disgrace, these presenters do so much good for so many local people in good and bad times."

Another Twitter user tagged BBC Hereford and Worcester and said: "Right, so with the two best presenters pushed out (Malcolm Boyden and Andrew Easton), I will not be switching this station on again.

"Nobody cares what the listeners want, the Beeb, as usual, do what suits them."

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A BBC spokesperson said that the new programming schedule will be announced soon.

They said: “Malcolm is not leaving the station and will still be very much part of it. We will be announcing the new schedule in the coming weeks.”