Steve Allen, 68, quits LBC after 44 years

LBC stalwart Steve Allen – one of Britain’s longest serving broadcasters – today announced he is leaving the station immediately after 44 years.

Mr Allen, 68, renowned for his monologues and dry humour about the day’s news, was hosting the early breakfast show between 4am and 7am but has gone without an on-air goodbye to listeners.

On Twitter he revealed his departure from LBC, which he joined in 1979, in an announcement 18 months after a row when he described Tilly Ramsay as a ‘chubby little thing’ while she was on Strictly.

Mr Allen has not revealed if he is retiring – but one insider claimed he may be looking for a weekend slot on a rival talk station.

The source said: ‘Steve’s gone straightaway – but it may just be that LBC and he mutually agreed to not renew his contract and the station didn’t want to risk him having either a rant on air or an overlong au revoir to his fans’.

LBC host of 44 years, Steve Allen, is leaving the station

Tilly Ramsay in Strictly Come Dancing 2021, where Mr Allen called her ‘chubby’

His departure is a shock to fans, many of whom have listened to him for decades. 

On Twitter, the 68-year-old said: ‘Some news from me, firstly thanks for all your questions. My contract with LBC is up shortly and, following discussions, I’m stepping down from LBC today.

‘I’d like to thank you all for listening over the last 44 years, it’s been an honour and a privilege.’

Minutes later the broadcaster, which has employed a number of ex-BBC stars including Andrew Marr in big money, said: ‘Steve Allen’s contract with LBC is up shortly and, following discussions with him, Steve is stepping down from LBC today.

‘We thank him for his enormous contribution to commercial radio over the past 44 years, making him one of the longest-serving radio broadcasters in the UK.’

In October 2021, Allen attracted hundreds of complaints after describing Strictly Come Dancing contestant Tilly Ramsay as a “chubby little thing” live on air.

He faced wide-spread criticism after saying that he was “bored” with the 21-year-old’s performances on the BBC’s flagship dance show and also referred to her celebrity chef father Gordon Ramsay when saying her physical appearance was probably to do with “her dad’s cooking”.

At the time he issued a private apology to the TV presenter.

It was later claimed that colleagues were calling for him to be fired.

A source said at the time: ‘Steve’s outdated and archaic comments have been allowed to continue for far too long and plenty of people want him out.’

They added: ‘Plenty of people think it’s time he was given his marching orders because this isn’t the first time he’s made unacceptable comments on air and hasn’t been reprimanded.

‘He should issue an apology at the least — but people want him gone.’ 

Tilly Ramsay took to Instagram to share a lengthy statement in which she expressed her hurt and shock at having her appearance criticised by Allen. 

Chef, social media influencer and TV presenter Tilly has over 9.5 million followers on TikTok, where she regularly posts funny videos of herself and dad Gordon

In a post, Tilly, 19, revealed that she was ‘learning to accept’ herself but had still been left ‘hurt’ by the remarks made by Allen

She said: ‘I try not to read and listen to comments and negativity however recently being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far. 

‘Steve please feel free voice your opinions however I draw the line at commenting on my appearance. It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative.’ 

She continued: ‘This isn’t the first and definitely wont’ be the last comment made about my appearance and I accept that and I’m learning to accept myself. 

‘But please remember that words can hurt. And at the end of the day I am only 19 and I’m so grateful for all the amazing opportunities I have been able to take part in. 

‘And I understand that being in the public eye obviously comes with it’s own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age. 

‘However, I won’t tolerate people that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance. Love Tilly xx’ 

She captioned the post  ‘#bekind’. 

Allen joined LBC, which originally stood for London Broadcasting Company but now stands for Leading Britain’s Conversation, in 1979 as the presenter of the Night Extra Programme before moving to host The Night Is Young.

During his career he hosted the afternoon show for London Talkback Radio and Saturday Night Out, but is best known for presenting the early breakfast show from 4am until 7am, where he discussed stories from the day’s newspapers.