Danny Baker hits out after BBC axe radio show

DJ Danny Baker has hit out after being told his daily afternoon show on BBC London 94.9 was being axed, likening his bosses to "pinheaded weasels".

"Just been told the BBC London Show - the Treehouse - is to be shut down," he tweeted. "Saves BBC money apparently."

Broadcaster Stephen Fry, actor Rob Brydon and comedian Ross Noble were among those to criticise the decision.

A BBC spokesperson said that Baker, 55, would continue to host his Saturday morning show on BBC Radio 5 live.

However the presenter rejected a subsequent claim he was "currently in discussions" with the BBC over another weekly programme.

"BBC London and I are NOT 'in discussion' about a new weekly show," the presenter said. "In fact, I haven't heard a single word from them at all."

He went on to thank his followers for their support, adding: "We dwell amid pinheaded weasels who know only timid, the generic and the abacus."

Baker's afternoon show, broadcast Monday to Friday from 15:00 to 17:00, is due to finish at the end of this year, the BBC confirmed.

The news follows the DJ's return to broadcasting last year after taking time off to receive treatment for cancer.

On his afternoon show on Thursday - which began with Queen hit Radio Ga Ga - the presenter made further reference to his upcoming departure.

"As you may have heard, this show has been cancelled by the BBC," said Baker, a BBC London fixture since 2001. "It's been an honour and a privilege."

The clearly emotional DJ went on to aim further broadsides at his employers. "Community? London? You weasels wouldn't know the meaning of the word," he told his listeners.

He also attacked the corporation over his co-hosts' salaries, comparing their remuneration to what he said had been paid to the disgraced broadcaster Jimmy Savile during his time at the BBC.