Sarah Kennedy to leave BBC Radio 2

Author and broadcaster Sarah Kennedy is leaving BBC Radio 2 after nearly 20 years at the network, the BBC has announced today.

Kennedy started her career at Radio 2 in 1976 as host of Family Favourites, a record request show that linked families at home with loved ones overseas in the British armed forces.

After a break to pursue television work, she rejoined Radio 2 in 1993 to launch the Dawn Patrol early morning breakfast show from 5am to 7am. The programme reached an audience peak of 4.76 million and won Kennedy a Sony Gold Radio Award. She was also awarded an MBE in 2005 for her services to broadcasting.

Kennedy has published multiple editions of her The Terrible Twos book, as well as a 1997 bestselling thriller titled Charlotte's Friends.

"After 17 years of early starts, the temptation of destroying my alarm clock has proved too much to resist and as I have been spared for this long, it's time for a change," said Kennedy.

"I shall miss my Dawn Patrollers - their wit, wisdom and warmth, more than I can put into words. After I've taken a long-earned rest, I'm looking forward to new opportunities, hopefully inside and outside broadcasting."

BBC Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan added: "Sarah has entertained Radio 2 listeners for over 20 years with energy and enthusiasm, gaining an army of fans with her inimitable style of broadcasting.

"Everyone at Radio 2 would like to thank Sarah for her many years of sterling service, and wish her the very best of luck for the future. We shall miss her."

Lynn Parsons will present the Dawn Patrol for the next four weeks, while more permanent plans for the show will be announced "in due course".