Tony Blackburn on retirement, divorce and his radio rivals

The broadcasting icon opens up to Jenni Murray on Saga’s new podcast, Experience is Everything

Tony Blackburn sitting with Jenni Murray
By Kate Randall | Published - 15 Dec 2025
Social Facebook Social Twitter Social Pinterest Email

With a career spanning more than 60 years and his 83rd birthday approaching in January, nobody would blame Tony Blackburn if he wanted to retire and put his feet up. But the radio legend – who was the first voice on Radio 1 when it launched back in 1967 – says he has no intention of giving up his job and wants to carry on working for as long as he is able to.

Speaking on Saga’s new and free podcast, Experience is Everything, he tells host Jenni Murray: “I’m happier now in my broadcasting life than I have been ever before. I’m not working the whole time. I love working and I don’t want to retire because why would you want to retire when you’ve got a wonderful job that people would kill for?”

Tony was the second guest on Experience Is Everything, following the opening episode with Paul Merton. He also speaks about his rivalry with Noel Edmonds, how he gave hope to his age group when he won I’m A Celebrity in 2002 and his love of meeting guests on a Saga cruise.

And Tony is just as candid about his personal life and tells host Jenni about his regrets over how he handled his divorce from first wife Tessa Wyatt, which was played out publicly on his radio show at the time as he begged her to take him back.

“It affected me badly – getting divorced is not a happy thing,” he reveals. “But I went too far.”

Listen to Tony's interview and catch up with all episodes.

Experience is Everything - listen now

Related articles
Head and shoulders shot of Hugh Bonneville facing the camera with a red background
Hugh Bonneville on starting a new chapter
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren's secret trick for self-confidence that anyone can do
Griff Rhys Jones and wife Jo
Griff Rhys Jones on free speech and his alternative bucket list
Maligne Lake with snowy mountains on the left and pine forest down to the water's edge on the right.
Win a holiday to Canada

Your chance to win a 14-day tour around the Rockies and Vancouver for two, worth more than £8,800.

T&C’s apply.

Enter here

Related articles

Head and shoulders shot of Hugh Bonneville facing the camera with a red background
Hugh Bonneville on starting a new chapter

The actor bids farewell to Downton and looks forward to his starring role in a new West End show.

Griff Rhys Jones and wife Jo
Griff Rhys Jones on free speech and his alternative bucket list

The actor and comedian on his new comedy, rejecting a traditional bucket list and the secret to his 40-year marriage.

Clodagh McKemna wearing a red checked shirt and smiling
Clodagh McKenna: “The right foods can lift your mood super fast”

The TV chef talks happiness-boosting recipes and secrets for keeping the blues at bay.

Donna Ashworth stood outside smiling in a white shirt and tartan skirt
Donna Ashworth on making poetry popular again

The UK’s bestselling contemporary poet talks about finding huge success in later life and why Christmas is her lifeline.

Alex Kingston and Jenni Murray in the Experience is everything podcast studio
Alex Kingston on Saga’s podcast

The award-winning actress and Strictly star opens up to Jenni Murray on Saga’s new podcast, Experience is Everything.

Mary Berry looking at flowers
Review: My Gardening Life by Mary Berry

The national treasure’s love of green spaces shines through in her new gardening book.

Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren's secret trick for self-confidence that anyone can do
The Oscar-winning actor on rule-breaking, embracing getting older and why sitting up straight is so important.
Lyse Doucet at a bird market in Kabul, Afghanistan
Lyse Doucet on life as a foreign correspondent
The BBC’s chief international correspondent on “the pang” she feels when a major story breaks and the marriage proposals she’s turned down.