One the BBC’s longest-serving presenters has stepped away from his role after nearly forty years on air.
Dave Monks is a cherished radio presenter for the BBC’s radio service in Essex and has dominated the airwaves in the region since 1986.
But on Friday (September 22), Monks said goodbye to the station, as he stepped down and retired from the radio booth – leaving listeners in shock.
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In his final words on his programme, he expressed his sadness at leaving the show, but was hopeful as he moved on to pastures new.
“I wouldn’t say it has been an easy couple of weeks. It’s a real mixture of sadness and excitement and I have no idea which one is winning at the moment,” the 70-year-old broadcaster said.
(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Born in the coastal town of Southend-on-Sea, Dave opened up to listeners about he felt when he took to the airwaves for the first time in the 1980s.
“That first show was, firstly, appalling and secondly, I was terrified – terrified, because I’d never been on the radio before,” he explained.
Monks’ journey into radio was unusual, after he left his previous career of training as a solicitor to delve into the DJ scene a decade earlier.
That did not stop him from exploring a variety of different projects during his career – including running a wine bar, owning a law firm and regularly performing as part of the pantomime scene.
As a qualified lawyer, Monks was able to work for his own private law practice as well as running his mid-morning show for the BBC.
(Image: Getty Images)
But despite the stress and challenges it presented him, Dave said he had no regrets and was happy he could take the once in a lifetime opportunity.
“When opportunities present themselves I’m a great believer in grabbing hold of them and doing it and I had a lot more energy than I have now – although I still have got quite a bit – so you just crack on and do it and have a laugh,” he admitted.
Dave has been on-air during some of the most life-changing moments of British history, including the horrific murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess, who was killed whilst running a constituent surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in October 2021.
Reflecting on his career-defining moments, he paid tribute to Sir David, calling him a “very very good man”.
“That was hard, but you just kick into professional mode and you get on with it,” he said.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I learnt very early on that you should never go on stage, or on the radio, without knowing what you’re doing, so I always do a lot of preparation, so that if anything happens, you know how to handle it.”
Monks’ friends at BBC Radio Essex paid tribute to the long-time broadcaster, they called on Dave to receive a “rather special accolade” for his service to the county.
And listeners were quick to take to Twitter to offer their support to Dave, with many congratulating him on his illustrious career.
One user wrote: “Aww, Dave. Very well deserved. Will miss listening to you on BBC Essex”.
Whilst a second listener commended Monks: “Well done on a brilliant career Dave and good luck in whatever you do next”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
