Demands of stand-up prove too much

Rhod Gilbert is leaving BBC Radio Wales after 13 years to return to stand-up.

The Carmarthen-born comedian has hosted the Saturday morning programme since 2006 – but says that the demands of his current tour means he has to call it a day.

He said: ‘Despite what I say on air, I love doing the show on Radio Wales on a Saturday. 

‘But having returned to stand-up, and with such a busy live touring schedule this year, it’s proving impossible. I am never there, and it’s getting embarrassing, so I am standing aside, with immediate effect.

‘I’d love to come back and do some one-off specials on Radio Wales in the future though, if they will have me.

‘So, after so many happy/miserable/disappointing/tedious (delete as applicable) years on the station, with regret, I’m out. For now. But watch this space. Thanks for listening, my dear listeners; it has been a chaotic ball.’

The programme, regularly broadcast from Rhod’s kitchen, features co-hosts and fellow comedians including Chris Corcoran, Lloyd Langford and Sian Harries.

Gilbert will be returning BBC Radio Wales within the month, with a live show from the Machynlleth Comedy Festival on Saturday May 4

BBC Radio Wales editor Colin Paterson says: "Rhod is one of the standout comedy voices of his generation and we’re grateful to him for making us laugh every week. He’s been a big part of Radio Wales for over ten years; I hope he’ll be back with us very soon.’

Published: 5 Apr 2019