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

With a career spanning more than 60 years and his 83^rd 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

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Tony Blackburn on retirement, divorce and his radio rivals

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