Sounds of the Sixties' Brian Matthew hints at a comeback

The much loved Radio 2 presenter Brian Matthew has hinted he could soon be back on the airwaves despite leaving the station yesterday.

Matthew said he is "saddened to leave" as he signed off as host of the long-running Sound Of The Sixties programme.

The 88-year-old presented the Saturday morning show for 27 years and the BBC faced criticism after it announced he would be leaving the station as a regular host.

The veteran disc jockey farewell episode featured a compilation of highlights from the programme's history.

As the last track played out, Matthew said: "That 1962 top five hit by Billy Fury brings me to the end of my reign as presenter of Sounds Of The Sixties and I must say I've enjoyed every minute of my 27 years in this chair.

"I'm saddened to leave but I'll be back on Radio 2 in the near future with something new, so keep your eyes open for further information.”

He added: "This is your old mate Brian Matthew saying that's your lot for this week, see you again soon."

Earlier this year, the broadcaster revealed a new voice would take his spot as presenter after Matthew suffered an "extended bout of ill health". He later hit out at the decision and labelled their comments "balderdash" in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

Saturday's show closed with Billy Fury's Last Night Was Made For Love and also featured tracks Elvis Presley's Ghetto and The Beatles' She's Leaving Home.

Matthew's final appearance left listeners tearful and the BBC was slammed as "shameful" for jettisoning one of its most popular presenters.

One listener, Bryce Lawrence, wrote on Twitter: "Shame on the BBC for ditching Brian Matthew time they gave listeners what they want."