Chris Evans, who announced he is leaving his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show live on air on Monday morning, has now revealed he will be returning to Virgin Radio.
The broadcaster became emotional as he revealed the news to his breakfast show listeners, saying he and his wife Natasha are expecting twins.
"I'm leaving. I'm leaving Radio 2," he told listeners, saying he would stay on air until Christmas.
Explaining the decision, he added: "Some of us are mountain climbers [but] if you get to the top of your favourite mountain and you stay there, you become an observer.
"I want to keep climbing."
More from Chris on today's news... pic.twitter.com/SUwC9WSliR
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) September 3, 2018
Evans has presented the Radio 2 breakfast show for eight years and has spent 13 years overall at the station. He took over from Terry Wogan in 2010 and his show regularly attracts nine million listeners.
The 52-year-old broadcaster added that he wishes his successor well.
"Whoever takes over this show, good for you because it's the best. It's the best", he said.
Evans has now said he will be returning to Virgin Radio, almost 20 years after he left the station, to host a rival breakfast show in the new year. The broadcaster previously hosted the breakfast show on Virgin Radio from 1997 to 2001.
He said Virgin Radio was "in many ways... my spiritual home".
Welcoming @achrisevans back where he belongs on Virgin Radio https://t.co/APJaaQeGmR @virginradiouk pic.twitter.com/c237Z5JzjB
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) September 3, 2018
"I see nothing but exciting and groundbreaking opportunities ahead. In a medium that is changing so quickly on a daily basis, the potential for growth is unprecedented," he said.
"Our plan is to give it all we've got, see where we can get to and have the most possible fun along the way. It makes me smile every time I think about it."
People have sent Evans their well wishes on Twitter.
Chris Evans to leave @BBCRadio2. It has always been a brilliant show and he has presented it magnificently. Massive slippers to fill for someone.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) September 3, 2018
Flippin eck. CHRIS EVANS. You absolute legend. Always been such an inspiration, all learnt so much from you. Proper shocker on a Monday morning. You will be most missed Mr. Big big ❤️ https://t.co/oJle1MDsyV
— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) September 3, 2018
Sorry to hear Chris Evans is leaving the Breakfast Show; have loved every moment that I have been able to listen to him and the team. Wishing Chris every success and happiness in his future ventures xxxx
— Amanda Robinson (@amandaaimeerobi) September 3, 2018
They said that you couldn't replace Sir Terry Wogan, but #ChrisEvans managed it and somehow even increased his audience. Whoever gets the job will be in the same position as David Moyes when he replaced Fergie. Almost impossible. Commercial radio share prices will rise today. https://t.co/BGdxJeXgte
— Neil Morrow (@mrneilmorrow) September 3, 2018
