Tributes paid as James 'Jim' Naughtie presents Radio 4's Today programme for the last time
BROADCASTER James Naughtie has bowed out of BBC Radio 4's Today programme after 21 years, earning widespread tributes from listeners.
James Naughtie, known as Jim, tearfully left today
Jim's final show ended just before 9am with a special montage of his finest moments, featuring Ringo Starr, Alan Bennett and Dame Judi Dench.
“The wonderful thing about this programme is so much comes your way, you just sit here and let it flow towards you like a tidal wave," he said.
"That’s the joy of this programme, except when lines go down - it’s nice to end with that tradition."
The show had suffered a technical glitch earlier in the show when John Major was being interviewed and his phone line had troubles.
He's one of the station's most popular voices
He'll now be a casual reporter for the station
The wonderful thing about this programme is so much comes your way, you just sit here and let it flow towards you like a tidal wave
“But you know what it’s like. You just sit here and extraordinary things happen.”
Tributes paid have included a tweet from Jeremy Hunt, whose name Naughtie notoriously mispronounced in 2010 when he appeared to replace the 'H' in his surname with a 'C'.
"Jim Naughtie always a tough and talented interviewer despite the occasional mispronunciation,"
Referencing Naughtie and co-host John Humphrys, Piers Morgan wrote online: "Bad cop..and bad cop. Tearful end to one of the great broadcasting partnerships."
The Today team gathered to bid farewell
Kirstie Alsopp posted: "Great, mascara everywhere #GoodbyeJim."
Dom Joly wrote: "farewell Jim Naughtie- mornings will not be the same #r4today".
"Listening to Jim Naughtie presenting @BBCr4today for the last time," said Diane Abbott. "Can't believe it has been 21 years! @naughtiej".