Popular BBC Radio Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy Gough’ is set to stay on air for a longer than originally planned after announcing in October that he would be quitting the station at the end of this year when his current contract expires.

The North-East radio legend, who hosts the hugely popular Sunday afternoon ‘Goffy at the Weekend’ programme, between 2pm-4pm, will now extend his stay at the BBC until spring 2023.

This means Goffy will have been on the air for ten years by the time he has his final show.

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The Northern Echo: Goffy has over 20 years experience in the radio gameGoffy has over 20 years experience in the radio game (Image: Goffy Media)

On the change of plan, Goffy said: “I have been knocked out by the fantastic feedback and kind words since I announced the initial proposed departure back in October, and by extending my time until spring 2023 with BBC Radio Tees it will take me to a 10-year run.

“My first shows for the station were in the spring of 2013 and I have had such a great time on air. BBC local radio is facing a challenging time and I just want to wish all the people involved in the planned changes the very best of luck and I sincerely hope that it all works out for the best.

“My boss Dan Thorpe has been fantastic with me through the past ten years with his brilliant support for the shows and when the opportunity arose to stay on air through the winter months I was delighted to take it.

"This will coincide with my ten-year anniversary at the BBC and that is some achievement against the tricky backdrop of the many changes that radio has faced during the last decade."

He added: “I have been so fortunate to build a brilliant connection with my listeners through presenting many programmes down the years and that was even more evident when I announced recently that I was leaving.

"Listeners identified specific moments that we have shared together at BBC Radio Tees via features such as ‘Ínspirations’ and they really touched me with their wishes. I really can’t thank them enough and I hope they will be with me for the next part of the journey.

“We will continue to have a great time with positive talk, surprise songs and fun on air through the next four months. These are challenging times and I will make sure that my shows will be upbeat – but that has always been my approach as ‘Goffy at the Weekend’ takes to the air each Sunday afternoon.’’

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The experienced radio host has presented shows on Century Radio, TFM, Metro Radio and BBC Radio Newcastle across three decades.

It has been quite a year for Hartlepool-born Goffy as he celebrated 30 years in the media industry and some of the most well-known names gave their backing to join in with the celebrations.

Former England superstar Alan Shearer was one to give his support by headlining, for free, a charity dinner through the 30-year for Hartlepool Hospice which raised just short of £100,000.

The hospice had cared for Paul’s late sister, Angela O’Hara, and some of the funds raised were used to create The Angela O’Hara Memorial Gardens within the fantastic Wells Avenue care facility in Hartlepool.

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