BBC Radio 2
The presenter held back tears as he fronted his last breakfast show at the BBC.
He has been struck down with laryngitis.
'I couldn’t have tried harder or cared more.'
'I’m beyond chuffed.'
It is the first time since 2012 his figures have dropped below nine million.
Zoe Ball previously beat her in the race to the top job.
'Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another.'
He has been with the station for 17 years.
'I’m going to be disappearing for a while.'
But she says she is "very, very happy" with what the BBC is paying her.