Billy Butler says 'I'm not leaving' after Facebook post 'goes wild'

Broadcasting legend Billy Butler caused a stir today after it was "announced" he would be leaving Liverpool for a "new job" on the Isle of Man.

The 82-year-old radio host's wife, Lesley, posted on Facebook: "So now I can tell you why we came to the Isle of Man... we are going to move here as Bill's starting his new job on Manx Radio... wish us luck on our new venture... ooh scary". The post was accompanied by a picture of Billy sitting inside the Manx Radio station.

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But Billy told The ECHO the post was simply a joke that got out of hand. He said: "We visited Manx Radio studios today and my wife took a few photos and decided to put them on her Facebook page about us going to live over here, and once it appeared on Facebook it went wild. But I'm not leaving Liverpool. I'm happy there."

Billy began his on-air career in guest slots on Radio Merseyside in 1971 and soon become a favourite among listeners in Merseyside. He moved across to Radio City in 1979, around the same time he became the co-host of a Saturday morning children's TV show, The Mersey Pirate.

He returned to Radio Merseyside in 1983, and remained there until 2018, when the station decided not to renew his contract. But he was soon back on the air, joining Liverpool Live Radio, and now presents his own programme every Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 1pm.

Billy, who lives in New Brighton, said: "I've been with Liverpool Live four years this July and I'm quite happy there. I'll be back on next Saturday and Sunday, and we've got quite a few of the old Radio Merseyside crew back with us now. We've got Roger Lyon, Jon Jessop, and we're hoping to get Linda McDermott with us soon as well."

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