DJ Sir Spyro, real name Karl Joseph, is leaving BBC Radio 1Xtra after nine years, with his final show set to broadcast on Tuesday 24 November. The 40-year-old's exit was confirmed via the station's official Instagram page.
Announcement and fan reaction
The post read: "After nine years of broadcasting some of the best Grime music on BBC Radio 1Xtra, @sirspyro will be leaving the station with his final show broadcasting on Tuesday 24 November."
It added: "We would like to thank Spyro for the energy and passion he has brought to Radio 1Xtra over the years, and we wish him the very best for the future. @mangasainthilare will cover the show from Tuesday, December 1 until April. More details will be announced soon."
Fans and fellow broadcasters have expressed their disappointment. DJ Sian Anderson wrote: "The absolute best to do it. Can't say Grime without saying Spyro. This show will be HEAVILY missed."
Tributes from colleagues
BBC Radio's Yasmin Evans said: "Very much a one-of-a-kind specialist DJ/Show, and an absolute JOY to be around. What a great run!" BAFTA-winning TV chef Big Zuu commented: "What a guy and what a show."
One listener wrote: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! @sirspyro, your shows keep me going from North England to North London... S.O.T.S," while another said: "What a loss...his show is my default run playlist," and someone else added: "Nahhh, he's gotten me through some late-night Tuesday drives."
Recent BBC departures
The news follows BBC Radio 1's Maia Beth's departure from Mollie King's Future Pop just weeks earlier. Taking to Instagram, the presenter shared: "Goodbye Future Pop. I've worked at the BBC since I was a teenager, and BBC Radio 1 for 5 years."
She added: "Radio 1 has given me so many beautiful opportunities, like being the first person in the UK to play Chappell Roan, DJing Main Stage at Big Weekend in Sunderland, moshing side of stage to Limp Bizkit, & helping to support so many artists' careers I love on Future Pop. But I made the really difficult decision to leave Future Pop."
Beth said she will continue to interview artists for the Mercury Prize, do the Gladiators live tour, DJ the finish line of the Great North Run, and work at wrestling shows while celebrating new music.
