BBC issues statement on end of Yorkshire singer and DJ Clare Teal's Radio 2 Swing and Big Band Show

Listeners were surprised to hear an announcement in this week's episode that after 15 years Teal, from Kildwick near Keighley, would be moving on in January.

When asked, the BBC did not clarify why Teal's show would be ending other than to say it is "always exploring new ways of reflecting the broad range of genres", adding that swing music would be heard on forthcoming shows Top Brass with James Morrison and Barry Humphries’ Forgotten Musical Masterpieces.

Speaking on Sunday's show, Teal said: "Very sadly our show will be coming to an end on Radio 2.

"I've been on the network for 15 wonderful years and I will be leaving the network just after Christmas.

"Our last show will be on Sunday the 3rd of January.

"So, friends, between now and then let's celebrate everything that we love about this glorious music, old and new."

After launching her career in 2001, Teal, who specialises in big band singing, won British Jazz Singer of the year in 2005, 2007, 2015 and 2017, BBC Jazz Singer of the Year in 2006 and Boisdale Jazz Singer of the year 2016.

She was awarded Arts & Entertainment Personality of the Year in 2004 & 2011 Yorkshire Awards, a coveted Gold Badge by BASCA (British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors) in 2011 and an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music by the University of Wolverhampton in 2015.

In a statement, the BBC said: "We would like to thank Clare Teal for bringing such passion and commitment to her Sunday night show.

"We are always exploring new ways of reflecting the broad range of genres we play across Radio 2 and Swing and Band music will continue to be heard on the network - in forthcoming series Top Brass with James Morrison and Barry Humphries’ Forgotten Musical Masterpieces and within our regular programming, including Sunday Night Is Music Night and The Jazz Show with Jamie Cullum, and specials.

"We very much hope to work with both Clare on future projects."