Comic told: 'Be more like Jonathan Ross'

Roy Hudd has described how he received the ‘worst insult of his life’ when The News Huddlines was axed after 26 years – because Radio 2 wanted edgier comedy from the likes of Jonathan Ross.

Hudd’s topical programme, which cheerily joked about the news with an almost music-hall sensibility, was a staple of Radio 2’s schedules from 1975 until 2001.

The 73-year-old now says he felt crushed by the way he was treated by radio executives, although he accepted that every show had a shelf life.

The BBC man took him to lunch and told him: ‘We'd like you to be more like Jonathan Ross.’

In an interview with the BBC to promote his new autobiography, Hudd said: ‘That was the worst insult I think I've ever had. Unbelievable.

‘You have to be your own personality. Jonathan Ross isn't me at all. The style of comedy has changed, though I wouldn't say it's moved on particularly.

‘It wasn't a blow not getting The News Huddlines back because we've done 26 years. In our business, you're lucky if it runs a week. But I still get letters every week from people asking when are they going to bring it back.’

‘I think they are ignoring what people want… I’ve always thought there was a case for variety on TV, but all they tell you at the BBC is, “Oh, people aren't interested in variety any more.” But people love the sort of comedy the BBC thinks nobody wants.’

Published: 27 Oct 2009