Veteran Welsh broadcaster Roy Noble has announced he will be retiring after nearly 46 years working for the BBC
Roy Noble has announced he will be stepping back from Radio Wales next year(Image: Cynon Valley Leader)
A stalwart of radio in Wales has announced he will be retiring after nearly 46 years keeping people across the nation company over the airwaves. Legendary broadcaster Roy Noble has announced he will be hanging up his microphone and ending his Sunday programme on BBC Radio Wales next year.
In an emotional statement, the 83-year-old said the decision had come after the odd health “hiccup” and a growing suspicion that apps had been created “purely to confuse him”.
“The truth is I’ve simply reached a point where it feels right to begin a new chapter,” the broadcaster wrote.
Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins was one of those to pay tribute to Noble after the news, describing him as a “legend.” “It was always a treat to be interviewed by you. Thank you for all the joy you have brought us over the years,” she said.
Noble, who was a teacher before he turned his hand to broadcasting, will present his final programme in March 2027.
He described working at the BBC for the last four decades as the “privilege of a lifetime”.
Paying tribute to his listeners, he added: “I’ve been fortunate enough to meet extraordinary people, hear remarkable stories and, most importantly of all, spend time with you, the listeners.”
Before he hangs up his headphones, Noble said he looks forward to making the most of his last few months on air with his listeners. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter
The broadcaster said he will also embark on a “special Ambassadorial role” when Radio Wales turns 50 in 2028.
His full letter to listeners reads: “My dear friends, compatriots and fellow travellers,
“After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided that next year will be the right time for me to step away from my Sunday programme on BBC Radio Wales. By the time I present my final show in March 2027, I will have spent 46 wonderful years with BBC Wales. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to meet extraordinary people, hear remarkable stories and, most importantly of all, spend time with you, the listeners. Radio has changed enormously over the years. Wales has changed too. But one thing has remained constant and that’s the privilege of being welcomed into your homes and lives. “Along the way, I’ve been fortunate enough to make countless friends, many of whom I’ve never actually met because they’ve been listening at the other end of the radio. “The signs that retirement was approaching may have included my growing suspicion that ‘apps’ were invented purely to confuse me. The odd hiccup in health has sent signals too. But the truth is I’ve simply reached a point where it feels right to begin a new chapter. “After all, November will mark 84 of my years of yore. Apparently, 63 is the sweet spot or happiest age to retire so I’ve added a few furlongs to that. “But this isn’t goodbye. We still have several months ahead of us, and I’m looking forward to making the most of them together. There will be time for memories, stories and celebrations before I finally hang up the headphones. “I’m also delighted to tell you that I’ll be taking a special Ambassadorial role when we celebrate Radio Wales’ 50th birthday in 2028. But for now, I simply want to say a heartfelt thanks to you all. It’s been an honour.“Diolch o galon i bob un ohonoch chi – mae e wedi bod yn fraint. “May you all have good health to spare, “Love to share, “And good friends who care. “Bless you all. Pob Bendith i chi.”
Noble’s career on the radio waves started with a weekly show called ‘Letter from Aberdare‘, where he would write and read out a monologue, and he went on to present for BBC Radio Wales full-time, which ultimate earned him a CBE for services to the Welsh culture and language.
