Life after the Beeb is sweet for two star presenters

Two former BBC Radio Devon star presenters have found life on the other side of the microphone full of opportunities.

David 'Fitz' Fitzgerald (pictured right) has launched new podcast which features weekly on this website and its sister sites in Torbay and North Devon.

Meanwhile, late-night show host David Sheppard has also been keeping himself busy!

'Fitz' was told he was being made redundant just a short while after being taken ill with a heart scare while on air. Typically, he was back wearing the headset within weeks.

Posting a short video on X (formerly Twitter), showing cards he had been sent by listeners, Fitz said: “I have to say, thank you very much for all the cards that have arrived here at BBC Radio Devon, it really has been most touching.”

For his new podcast he has interviewed celebrities including Ray Reardon and Angel Rippon.

Meanwhile, in an update on his LikedIn page, David Sheppard says he has been working solidly on a 'kaleidoscope of broadcasting, comms and consultancy projects which have been a joy - and with some wonderful people'.

He explained: "I've created my own studio which is now earning its keep with voiceover and production work including a video for This Morning); I've hosted eight corporate events and taken bookings for more next year; I've done some live TV commentary; I've been a consultant on an internal comms re-shape for a big UK firm; I'm preparing to launch a podcast for a national charity; I've written for four magazines; I've become the on-board voice for Heathrow's new coaches; and I've led a lovely little team on a national heritage project which has been two decades in the planning and, after a little push, finally launches around the UK in January.

"But - I am sorry to have spectacularly failed the many who still ask, daily, when I'll be "following Ken" to Greatest Hits Radio. I'm afraid I haven't sent a single demo! The break from 20 years of daily (and nightly) radio has done my body lots of good. It's why my stomach muscles have started to relax. Seriously, I've had a couple of kind and tempting offers of radio post-BBC but really they weren't right for me, nor me for them - and as much as I love radio, it has to be right to be worthwhile.

"Last year was unexpectedly fun. Having to pick-up a cue missed by the Archbishop of Canterbury one minute, the next, being mistaken in my tux for a wine waiter and having to reel off a list of the speciality gins 'we' stock. I'll never waitress in Torquay again..."