Radio show presenter moves on

ANDREW Peach has left BBC Radio Berkshire.

The breakfast show host presented his last programme on Monday after 30 years.

Peach, who is originally from Walsall and now lives in Peppard with his wife Colleen and two children, said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve the people of my adopted home area for three decades.

“A daily radio show is, above all else, a relationship with listeners.

“We’ve chosen each other’s company, sharing the ups and downs of our lives, and I know I’ll miss that
desperately.

“I am hugely grateful to everyone who has tuned in and to the talented producers whose work has made a difference to our area in so many ways.

“This is a dream job and I very much hope to return to Radio Berkshire one day. For now, I’m excited about what the next chapter has in store. Let’s just hope it doesn’t involve any 4am alarms.”

A BBC spokesman said: “Andrew is leaving to focus on new opportunities.

“He’s been at the heart of the radio station for 30 years and we want to thank him for everything he has achieved. We’ll be sharing our new plans for Radio Berkshire’s breakfast programme in the coming weeks. Kirsten O’Brien will be presenting the show through most of December and into January.”

In 2021 Peach was awarded gold for best local radio show at the Radio Academy ARIA Awards. His programmes were nominated for 16 awards between 2002 and 2021. He regularly appears on BBC national radio networks.

Peach joined Radio Berkshire in 1992 and soon became Saturday breakfast show presenter. He presented his first ever radio piece in 1989 after winning a competition on BBC WM. His prize was to travel to Germany and report on life in Bonn and Cologne.

His 25th year on the show was marked by congratulations from then Prime Minister Theresa May.