DJ Steve Wright insists he is 'not retiring' as he gears up for final Radio 2 weekday show

Radio DJ Steve Wright has slipped below Edwards having taken a pay cut of almost £100k to make his salary £465,000 – £469,999.
Steve Wright says he isn't retiring. (PA)

Steve Wright has insisted that he is “not retiring” even though he is leaving his Radio 2 daytime show.

The veteran radio host is stepping down from Steve Wright In The Afternoon after 23 years as part of the station’s schedule shake-up, with the final show airing today (30 September).

But he has now told fans on Twitter that it doesn’t mean he is hanging up his mic.

Read more: Scott Mills on 'coming to terms' with leaving Radio 1

“In advance of our last SWITA show for a while, I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to listen at any point over the past 23 years,” he posted on the Radio 2 Twitter account.

“I personally would like to say what a privilege it’s been bringing you great choons, conversation information, entertainment, high humour and of course great guests.

“I know I have been extremely lucky to do this work and have never taken it for granted.”

Wright, 68, went on: “I’d also like to clear something up. I’m not retiring!!! “I repeat, I am NOT retiring!!!

“I am taking a break from daytime radio and will continue at Radio 2.

"I’ll be going a tad digital with a podcast, Serious Jockin’ will still be there on BBC Sounds, and Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs continues on Radio 2 every weekend.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright. (BBC)
Steve Wright said it had been a 'privilege' doing the show. (BBC)

The star added: "Obviously I won’t be quite as busy during weekdays, and will take the opportunity to have some lunch and do some of the other work I’m lucky enough to be offered – TV, live hosting and gigs."

He joked: "There is no truth in the rumour I’m planning to open my own artisan bakery, and I’ve turned down twice the chance to open my own nail bar.

"So it’s all good."

Read more: Steve Wright: Jeremy Vine leads tributes to ‘legend’ DJ as Radio 2 afternoon show axed

Scott Mills is set to step into the slot currently held by Wright, after he departed Radio 1.

Additional reporting from PA.

Watch: BBC Radio 2's Paul O'Grady quits show