BBC Radio 6 fans devastated as star announces he's leaving the station – but legendary DJ returns
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TOM Ravenscroft will be leaving BBC Radio 6 to explore "new pastures," but a radio legend will soon be joining the station.
The son of legendary BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel, who passed away in 2004, hosts two shows on the station, including New Music Fix Daily which showcased emerging artists.
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Tom Ravenscroft is leaving BBC Radio 6
Credit: BBC
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Mary Anne Hobbs is making a comeback to the station
Credit: BBC
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Tom Robinson will present a special series of LGBTQ+ shows for Pride Month
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Tom also hosts The Ravers Hour on Friday nights from 11pm and his final shifts on the shows will be May 29 and 30 respectively.
'Argh man, this is a sad moment. It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to depart 6 Music but pastures new beckon," Tom said in a statement published by the BBC.
"It's been a blast, I've met so many wonderful people as a result of this job and will be forever grateful. Thanks to all the crew on New Music Fix Daily and Deb [Grant, his co-host] for the past two years in Salford, I think we did some cool stuff."
Tom added: "Lots of love to the listeners and everyone who has ever sent me music. I will miss it all. Forever yours. Tom.'
Samantha Moy, head of BBC Radio 6 Musicat 6 Music,thanked Tom for his "huge contribution" to the station and "for his work spotlighting formidable electronic artists."
"He is quite simply a 6 Music legend: iridescent and irreplaceable - we will all miss him,' she added.
But it's not all bad news for Radio 6 fans, as iconic DJ Mary Anne Hobbs will be returning to the airwaves in early June.
Mary Anne will host a new show on Sundays from 6 - 8 pm as is described by the BBC as "a borderless world of music, featuring open conversation with some of the world's most fascinating artists."
"Features will include Directors Cut – an invitation to musicians to create a specially extended version of an album track, exclusively for Mary Anne, and End of Days – in which artists select a piece of music for future generations," the BBC said.
Mary Anne added: 'It's a joy to return home to 6 Music, and pull-up next to my teenage hero Iggy Pop. The new show will be a home for music across all spectrums, outliers to headliners. Open conversations with the Artists we love. New experiments in storytelling and sound. Come with us.'
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The legendary DJ took a step back from hosting in January, but promised her return with a new show at the time.
Mary Anne first joined the BBC on Radio 1 in 1996 and has presented many different project at the Beeb including documentaries and last year performed an original collaboration with violinist Anna Phoebe for the 6 Music Festival.
"It gives me great pleasure to give the warmest welcome home to Mary Anne Hobbs," Samantha said of Mary Anne's return.
In other news at Radio 6, Tom Robinson who currently hosts Now Playing @6Music, will remain on the station to present a series of specials as part of 6 Music's annual Loud & Proud season, which takes spotlights LGBTQ+ voices.
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Tom hosted New Music Fix Daily with Deb Grant
Credit: BBC
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