Dozens of guests joined a Lancashire broadcasting legend on his final show last night as he bowed out of an illustrious career at BBC Radio Lancashire, after several decades behind the mic. 

John Gillmore, affectionately known as 'Gilly' has been a presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire, based in Blackburn, for 18 of his 38 years in broadcasting.

Before that he spent time at Red Rose Radio and The Bay, and on Thursday evening (October 5) he aired his final show from the Radio Lancashire Radio Theatre. 

 

Gilly won the Lancashire Ambassador Award at the Best of Lancashire Awards in 2022 and in 2014 he broke the Guinness World Record for the most face-to-face radio interviews in 24 hours by interviewing 293 people, asking 1,648 questions along the way.

Gilly's departure from BBC Radio Lancashire's Late Show comes at a temultuous time for local radio as changes are made to the way certain shows are broadcast.

The overhaul leaves local stations like Radio Lancashire left with eight hours of programming dedicated to their own patch on weekdays.

Shows at other times are to be shared across regions, such as Radio Cumbria.

Local news bulletins will remain the same, as will sport. 
 

Tributes were paid to Gilly across social media.

Nick Burton said on Facebook on Thursday evening: "It's the end of an era tonight on BBC Radio Lancashire so please tune into the last show (on this station) of the legendary northern broadcaster John Gillmore.

"I've been honoured to be a guest on Gilly's show for many years and he has always been genuinely enthusiastic and encouraging about my tales of walking, Alfred Wainwright and exploring Lancashire's outdoors.

"Thanks for all the great chats and good luck Gilly for a continued career in broadcasting.

"Northern radio needs you! Tune in at 10 pm tonight as Gilly broadcasts from the Blackburn Radio Theatre live across Lancashire and Cumbria. See you there!"

 

Journalist Nicola Adam said: "The absolute legend that is John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore will present his last ever show BBC Radio Lancashire tonight after changes to the BBC local radio structure.

"Gilly means many things to many people but is absolutely loved in the North West. The thing is he really cares, not just about his career, but radio itself and the extraordinary people here in the north.

"He helped me personally when I started at BBC as a freelancer - trying to teach a technically-challenged newspaper journalist the radio desk with utter patience. I already knew him of course - everyone does.

"But it’s not just media types that feel like this as most who meet him remember him. He is entwined in many community organisations across the north, has met many ordinary people who have a soft spot for him and shone a light on stories that don’t always get an airing. Then there’s the music - you absolutely want him on your team in a pub quiz.

"Was due in the studio tonight to his last show but I am housebound with Covid so sending support and happy vibes to you John Gillmore I doubt it’s the last we’ll hear of you!"

Staff at Radio Leyland said: "John Gillmore is an absolute Lancashire radio legend, we will all miss him, his help, and his many visits to Leyland, for which we are truly grateful for, we wish him all the best and hope we still hear that lovely friendly radio voice somewhere on our airwaves."

Geoff Wrennall said on Facebook: "I've followed John from his days at Red Rose and Gold. Whenever I was around the Lancaster area on The Bay. John's a legend in broadcasting. Wishing you all the best for the future."