WORTHING’S Simon Mayo has criticised the ‘appalling abuse’ aimed at co-host Jo Whiley after announcing he is quitting their Radio 2 Drivetime show.

Mayo is leaving BBC Radio 2 and the show he hosts with Whiley will come to an end.

The DJ had hosted the 5-7pm slot on the station since 2010 but was joined by Whiley for an extended 5-8pm edition in a shake-up to the schedule earlier this year.

The move was met with criticism from listeners, and Radio 2 was forced to issue a response following the backlash, asking fans to let the show “settle” and to “give it a chance”.

Now Mayo, who began his broadcasting career at Shoreham-based Seaside Hospital Radio, said he is “sad to leave the show, sad to leave Jo, sad to leave Wogan house.”

Addressing reports of a rift between himself and Whiley, he said: “One other thing. Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not but so there is no room for argument I’ll be clear.

“I’ve loved working with the exceptional Jo Whiley and when the show was ‘reconfigured’ she was my first and only choice.

“Some of the abuse she has had here has been appalling. Support for a show is one thing, assaulting the dignity of a warm-hearted and loyal friend is another.

“So by all means discuss what’s happening here, but let’s keep some civility. Thank you. Here endeth the lesson.”

Mayo is a former pupil at Worthing High School.

His work for Seaside Hospital Radio included providing entertainment at Worthing and Southlands hospitals.

He said: “Juggling my writing and radio has become increasingly tricky (a nice problem to have).

“I’ve just signed a new two book deal with the nice folk at Transworld and they’ll be expecting something half decent before too long.

“On top of that, my Itch books are about to be filmed for television in Australia and the work turning Mad Blood Stirring into a movie continues apace.

“I know, I know, I’m as surprised at this turn of events as you.

“But at my grand old age to be setting off on these brand new trails is enormous fun. And all the more so for being so unexpected.

“There are, however, only so many hours in a day.”

Mayo, 60, said he will remain at the BBC for the 5 Live Film review he co-hosts with Mark Kermod, but that “other radio adventures beckon”.

“But for now it’s just the sadness of leaving.”