BBC presenter Amol Rajan struggled to hold back tears as he delivered his final farewell on Radio 4's Today programme after five years on the show. The 43-year-old journalist announced in January that he would be leaving the show, having joined the team in 2021.
Emotional final broadcast
Rajan hosted his final episode on Wednesday, September 2, alongside co-host Emma Barnett. He began the show admitting he was "feeling really nervous" as he said goodbye to listeners one last time.
He confessed: "Not to try and turn the tables and interview you, but do you think I've made a terrible mistake?" he asked Barnett. "I've just been looking at the people in the gallery. After more than 1,000 hours, hundreds of pips, a few crashes, it is time to say goodbye."
Tribute to colleagues and family
He added: "It has been such an honour sitting in this studio with you, Emma, with all the presenters, but above all, with the amazing team behind the glass. I wanted to say thanks above all for your friendship and forbearance."
Rajan thanked his children, Winston, Jamaica, Loveday and Nesta, who were in the gallery for the broadcast, saying: "You are the light and the love in our lives. Sorry for all the drop-offs I've missed." He also paid tribute to his wife Charlotte, his mother, and his late father.
Del Boy sign-off
The broadcaster became overwhelmed with emotion as he hailed those in the gallery as "the real heroes". He concluded the show with the theme tune to Only Fools and Horses, reflecting on Sir David Jason's character, Del Boy.
He chuckled: "There was one hero who seemed ever present when I was growing up and who I have perhaps had, or may yet have, a little more success in following. It was with the spirit of Del Boy that I turned up at this great and noble institution, and it is to the spirit of Del Boy I return."
BBC cuts
Earlier this year, the BBC announced that Rajan's role would not be replaced as part of the corporation's cuts, reducing the number of presenters on the show to four. Six shows on BBC Radio 4 would also be cut, including The World Tonight, The Midnight News, Money Box Live, AntiSocial, The Law Show and Crossing Continents.
