HEY! THAT'S NO RAY TO SAY GOODBYE...

Star blasts RTE management for how his shock departure from Radio 1 has been handled | Broadcaster's well wishes for future... but not 'part of their plans'

- BY SANDRA MALLON Showbiz Editor

RAY D'Arcy has said he is "hugely disappointed" with how RTE handled his shock exit from the station yesterday.

RTE announced yesterday afternoon that D'Arcy had left with immediate effect and had presented his final Radio One show on Wednesday after 11 years at the station.

But in a statement, D'Arcy, 61, said he was "hugely disappointed with RTE management and how my departure from Radio 1 has been handled".

He added: "I've been with Radio 1 for the past 11 years. In that time, I have worked with some brilliant people. I want to thank them. I also want to thank all the regulars on the show, the guests and the wonderful, loyal listeners.

"I am particularly proud of how the show championed the stories and causes of people like Catherine Corless, Erica Fleming, Katriona O'Sullivan and the late Vicky Phelan.

"I am also very proud of how we highlighted mental health and addiction issues over the years - these are areas I will continue to be active in.

"I love radio and daily radio is part of who I am.