Iain Lee is about to embark on a new chapter in his life after leaving Jack FM.
After realising that a career behind the microphone was no longer for him, the radio host wants to focus on his counselling job.
After 30 years in television, the 49-year-old, who began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1990s, has claimed he is’really exhausted’ and ready for a change.
Announcing the news, the former TV presenter wrote in a statement: ‘Hey everyone, a bit of news, a few weeks ago I handed my notice in at Jack FM.
‘Not sure how long I’ve got left (maybe nothing after this tweet!). It wasn’t working for me with no producer, podcast or daily best bits.’
Iain continued to his 102.5k Twitter followers: ‘It’s also made me realise I don’t want to work in radio anymore so I’m announcing my retirement from broadcasting to focus full time on my counselling work.’
However, he stated that there would be ‘exceptions,’ as he will continue to do voiceover work and ‘the occasional gig on 4 Extra’.
‘I’ll evaluate proposals but won’t pursue them,’ he said.
Iain then shared a link to his Patreon page, where fans may help him and Katherine Boyle create podcasts.
Those interested in working with him as a therapist should send an email to hello@iainleecounselling.com or visit iainleecounselling.com.
‘I’ve been working in this industry for 30 years and I’m pretty exhausted,’ he added as he signed off. So, on to bigger and greater things. Thank you, radio, for the most of it. X’
Iain also stated that he was due to return to Jack FM in two days (Wednesday), but he is unsure what will happen now that he has announced his leaving on social media.
‘Thanks for all your kind words,’ he said.
Following the revelation, the celebrity was showered with love and support, with one fan writing, ‘I’ll miss you over the airwaves. I’ve always believed he was vastly underappreciated. ‘Best wishes in your counselling profession.’
‘You will be alright,’ wrote friend Gordon Astley. I gave up on radio a long time ago. After 40 years on the radio, I guess I’ve run out of new things to say! My life is now full and enjoyable, and the word “retired” is not in my vocabulary! If you need to talk, please call. X’, to which Iain replied that he is ‘nervous but also delighted,’ and that he now feels ‘alive.’
Iain’s counselling credentials are listed on his website, and he holds a certificate in humanistic creative therapy.
‘I think that everyone has an innate desire and potential to live a more satisfying life,’ he adds, revealing that his training is based on the ‘Gestalt, Person Centered, and Existential schools of counselling.’
He has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD, and he discusses sorrow, sadness, anxiety, trauma, and addictions.
In terms of his entertainment career, Iain rose to national prominence as co-host of The 11 O’Clock Show from 1998 to 2000, and then the breakfast show RI:SE in 2003.
In 2005, he began a full-time radio career, anchoring conversation programmes on BBC Radio WM and talkRADIO.
In November 2017, Iain appeared in the 17th season of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo was voted champion after entering the programme on day five and finished third.
Radio listeners have been there for Iain through his highs and lows, whether it’s his open comments about mental health and drug use, or when he came out as bisexual on his radio show in 2019.
Throughout his career, he has earned various honours, including the RadioTimes Moment of the Year in 2020, when an overdosing man phoned him live on the air.