Simon Hirst shocks listeners by quitting Capital Radio 'Daily Dose' breakfast show

CAPITAL FM's star presenter Simon Hirst has quit radio in a move which has surprised listeners to his popular breakfast show. Hirst, 38, known across Hull and East Yorkshire for his "Hirsty's Daily Dose" morning show, did not return to work today after taking time off on June 13. Listeners turning into his show this morning were left with vague messages explaining his decision to quit by fellow presenters Jojo Kelly and Danny Oakes. Hirst told Radio Today that he had quit for personal reasons, saying he had experienced a "tough 12-months", without elaborating. He said: "It's been a blast, but all good things must come to an end. I've had 11 fantastic years hosting Hirsty's Daily Dose at Capital Yorkshire and I've decided to take a break as, personally, it's been a tough 12 months and the time has come to make one of the hardest decisions of my life." He also tweeted his 30,000 Twitter followers to say he had been "overwhelmed" by the response to his departure which he said had been a "life choice".

Overwhelmed with emotion from the genuine words of love that I've been given today with my life choice that I've made. Thank you so much. xx

— Simon Hirst (@hirstydose) June 20, 2014

Hirst has attracted a loyal audiences across Yorkshire for his breakfast show which he has been hosting for 14 years on Capital and previously Galaxy and Viking. Fans of the show tweeted their surprise after his absence emerged this morning. Wayne Hooper tweeted: "Hirsty will be missed in Capital. I reckon something has gone on there though, no announcement a month ago?" Jess Wroe said: "Bet Capital have lost so many listeners this morning without Hirsty Yasmin Dean said: "Hirsty is leaving Hirsty's Daily Dose on Capital, will never be the same again!" Co-presenters Kelly and Oakes are to stay with the show, which will now be hosted by Adam O'Neill. Hirst will also be replaced on his Saturday show on Gold. Hirst, who began his career aged just 12 as a DJ on Radio Aire in Leeds and hosted his first show at 16, said: "I am hugely grateful to the team and count myself very lucky to have hosted one of the biggest shows in UK radio for such a long period of time. "For a radio geek like myself, that's one massive box ticked! Thank you to everyone I've worked with at Capital particularly JoJo, Danny and my production team for everything they've done for me over the years, and who have been incredibly supportive of my decision to leave." A statement from Capital Yorkshire said: "After 11 years on the Capital Yorkshire Breakfast show, Hirsty is leaving us. He's had a great run with Capital Yorkshire, presenting the breakfast show with Danny and JoJo, and we wish him loads of luck in the future."