A North East BBC radio presenter has bowed out of his long-standing show on Friday (October 28) when he signed off for the last time in an emotional and raw moment live on air.

Alfie Joey has been hosting the flagship breakfast show on BBC Radio Newcastle since 2009, amassing countless fans, friends, and guests over the years, but, this morning, broadcast his final show on the platform.

Originally from Peterlee in County Durham, the radio presenter is a writer, comic, impressionist, and singer, alongside being a cartoonist.

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Despite being the voice of a lot of North East residents’ mornings for the last 13 years, Alfie announced that he would step back from his role earlier this month – telling fans that he would be departing at the end of October.

And, on Friday morning, the moment for him depart BBC Newcastle came.

At the end of his usual programme, the regional BBC station decided to dedicate a segment to saying farewell to their esteemed colleague by getting several of his friends to make his last day special.

The Northern Echo: Alfie Joey listens to Huw Edwards' message to him. Picture: BBC NEWCASTLEAlfie Joey listens to Huw Edwards' message to him. Picture: BBC NEWCASTLE (Image: BBC NEWCASTLE)

In a video that has been released by BBC Newcastle, simply titled ‘Thank you @AlfieJoey’, the video begins with one of his friends saying: “I hope all of your listeners remember what a fantastic friend they had when they needed you most.”

Here is the emotional moment:

The video then cuts to a visibly emotional Alfie – who jokes “I’m not normally speechless,” before saying “I’m going to have to go and blow my nose”.

There was also words from Alfie’s Britain’s Got Talent double act partner, who told his friend: “I don’t think you understand how important you are to people in the North East, you are the first voice people hear in a morning, you are some people’s only connection, and it’s hugely important.

“I admire you massively.”

After hearing from some current colleagues and former colleagues from the BBC, Alfie then says: “I was dreading that, my last radio broadcast and one of the hardest I’ve ever had to do because people kept sending messages and paying tribute – and it got me a few times, but it’s all about the listeners of local radio.”

Concluding the video, Alfie heard from his family and BBC legend Huw Edwards, who wished him luck, before he unwrapped a framed cartoon portrait of himself.

What a moment - All the best Alfie!

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