Jason Manford steps down from Absolute Radio show after eight years on air as fans 'heartbroken' by decision
Jason Manford has revealed to fans that he has stepped down from his Absolute Radio show after eight years on air.
The comedian and actor took to social media to share the news with his followers, saying: “After 8 years of chatting absolute nonsense with no consequence (or “Nonsequence” as Steve insists!), it’s time to hang up the headphones and say goodbye to my Absolute Radio Sunday morning show.
“Nearly 400 episodes of nonsense, laughter and whatever popped into our heads between the songs. From those early weeks with a revolving cast of comedians to the strange blur of lockdown & since with Steve Edge, it’s meant the world to be part of your Sundays.”
Manford, 44, presented the Sunday show from 8am every week alongside actor and writer Steve Edge. He also thanked guests who took time to appear on the show, singling out fellow comedian Sarah Millican, who “did the show more than most”.
Manford added: “I’ll miss the silly jingles, the ridiculous games like #BinChat, “Questions for Steve” and “Hit Me With Your Best Chat”, and how so many of you joined in and made it feel like one long, stupid, wonderful conversation.
“Over 800,000 of you tuned in every week and somehow made it one of the most listened-to shows on the station. That’s humbling & a real privilege. Thank you.”
He teased that more was to come despite the end of the show, telling fans to “watch this space in 2026”. Manford also said: “The podcasts should still be around for a while (although not right now for some technical reason), so you can dip back in if you need your weekly nonsense fix.
“Most of all, I’ll miss logging in to chat to my best mate and share him with you all every Sunday. Steve makes me laugh more than anyone on this planet. (I mean obviously we’ll still chat but having that 3-hour catchup in the diary every week meant we never missed it!). Thank you for inviting us into your mornings, your cars, your kitchens and your dog walks. It’s meant more than you’ll ever know.”
The sudden step down has left fans “heartbroken”, with one listener saying: “NOO😭😭😭😭😭Omg feeling heartbroken but good luck with the next chapter 😭😭😭 There will always be a Jason Manford Absolute Radio show hole in my heart .”
Another said: “WHAT…!!!!! No please don’t do it, I love Sundays listening to you both & having a laugh. Sunday morning will never be the same again.” Meanwhile, another fan added: “We listen every Sunday and have good giggle while cleaning prepping the roast! Thanks for the entertainment both, gutted!”
It comes after Manford departed Waterloo Road in 2024 after appearing in the BBC school drama’s 14th series as headteacher Steve Savage.
He has also turned his attention to the stage in recent years, appearing in West End productions including Sweeney Todd, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls, and Something Rotten!. He is also working with Gary Barlow and Joe Stilgoe, writing a new musical about Captain Hook in a “Wicked-style” origin story for the famous villain.