Comic gives up his Sunday slot after 10 years

Jason Manford is quitting his Absolute Radio show after a decade. 

The comedian took over the Sunday morning show in January 2016 and now claims more than 800,000 weekly listeners. 

However he now says managing the demands of touring has made it increasingly difficult to make the show.

He told listeners to this weekend’s programme:  ‘As you can probably guess over the last six months where we're on, we're not on, we’re on, we’re not on, it’s been hard to fit it in with our schedules 

‘ So it's just got to that point where I thought, you know what, let’s go out on a high, and so next week we'll be doing our famous Christmas special.

‘And then in the new year, we'll have some announcements. Don't you worry. This won't be the last you'll hear from us. That's like a threat… I meant like we'll probably end up doing a podcast.’

‘That’s the news, anyway.’

For the first few years of the show, Manford was joined by a different comedian co-host each week with the likes of Peter Kay, John Bishop and Sarah Millican guesting. But since lockdown stand-up turned actor Steve Edge became his regular co-presenter. 

Manford explained more on social media, though apparently miscalculated the time he’s been with Absolute Radio.

There he explained: ‘After 8 years of chatting absolute nonsense with no consequence (or "Nonsequence" as Steve insists!), it’s time to hang up the headphones and say goodbye to my Absolute Radio Sunday morning show.

‘Nearly 400 episodes of nonsense, laughter and whatever popped into our heads between the songs. 

‘From those early weeks with a revolving cast of comedians to the strange blur of lockdown and since with Steve Edge, it’s meant the world to be part of your Sundays. 

‘Too many guests to mention but having friends drop in so many times for a chinwag was a real treat, special shoutout to the always wonderful @thesarahmillican who did the show more than most.

‘Over 800,000 of you tuned in every week and somehow made it one of the most listened-to shows on the station. That’s humbling & a real privilege. Thank you.

"Thank you for inviting us into your mornings, your cars, your kitchens and your dog walks. It’s meant more than you’ll ever know.

‘Watch this space in 2026, because I’m sure there will be more Nonsequence (still not convinced that’s a real word, Steve) coming your way.’

Manford has been one of the longest-serving presenters on the station, joking: ‘I've seen them all off!’

He is to return to the stage in the comedy musical Something Rotten! in Manchester next summer

Published: 25 Nov 2025