Why is Vassos Alexander Leaving Virgin Radio?
After 14 remarkable years alongside Chris Evans—first at BBC Radio 2 and then at Virgin Radio—Vassos Alexander surprised listeners by announcing his departure in May 2025, finishing with an emotional last show in July. Vassos cited his reasons simply:
“You’ve got to follow your heart.” He expressed gratitude for the years spent at the Breakfast Show, highlighting his treasured friendship with Evans and describing the job as “the honour of my life.”
“It has been the honour of my life to work on this show, and I still can’t quite believe I’m leaving voluntarily. Much more importantly, I value our friendship above everything and long may that continue.”
— Vassos Alexander on air
His heartfelt decision appears rooted not in dissatisfaction, but in a personal desire to seek new opportunities and experiences.
Where is Vassos Alexander Going?
Vassos has not yet officially announced a specific next step. Available reports indicate he’s “stepping away to pursue new opportunities” but is doing so without a set job lined up. Instead, he will take some time to explore what comes next, focusing on personal growth and projects aligned with his passions—particularly sports, running, and motivational speaking.
He remains an ambassador for children’s sports charities and motivational speaker, hinting at a continued presence in the fields of athletics, media, and public engagement.
Vassos Alexander’s Salary: What Did He Earn at Virgin Radio?
Exact salary data for Vassos Alexander as a Virgin Radio presenter is not publicly confirmed. Radio presenters’ pay in UK commercial radio varies substantially, often depending on the network, role, and profile.
Industry speculation and discussion threads suggest sidekick presenters on major shows may earn between £15,000–£100,000 per year.
As a sought-after speaker and broadcaster, Vassos also supplements his income from motivational speaking, with booking fees for appearances reportedly ranging from £2,500 to £5,000 per event.
Vassos Alexander
Vassos Alexander is a prominent British sports presenter, endurance runner, and author, known for his engaging presence on UK radio and his passion for long-distance running.
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Vassos Alexander's Career
Broadcasting Career
Vassos began his broadcasting career in 2004 with the BBC, where he covered major sporting events including the Olympics, Wimbledon, and the World Cup. He gained widespread recognition as the sports presenter on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 starting in 2011. In January 2019, he transitioned with Chris Evans to Virgin Radio, continuing his role as sports presenter.
Endurance Running
An accomplished endurance athlete, Vassos has completed over 50 marathons, including a sub-3-hour marathon, and has participated in ultra-marathons like the 153-mile Spartathlon in Greece . He has also competed in Ironman triathlons, showcasing his dedication to long-distance sports.
His experiences in endurance running are chronicled in his books, Don't Stop Me Now and Running Up That Hill, where he shares insights into the challenges and rewards of ultra-distance events.
Podcasts and Public Speaking
Vassos co-hosted the free weekly timed podcast, focusing on the parkrun community, from April 2018 until May 2022 . He is also an experienced public speaker, delivering talks on sports broadcasting, endurance running, and personal development.
FAQ
Why did Vassos Alexander leave Virgin Radio?
He left to seek new opportunities, citing a desire to “follow [his] heart” after 14 years on the show.
Did Vassos Alexander have another job lined up before leaving?
No. He stepped away without a set next job, instead taking time to explore future possibilities.
Was Chris Evans upset about Vassos Alexander’s departure?
Yes—Evans was openly emotional on air, expressing deep gratitude and recalling how Vassos supported him through personal loss.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is based on publicly available reports and statements from Vassos Alexander. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the details shared, specifics such as salary figures, future career plans, and other private matters may vary. Any quotes or reports are subject to change as new information becomes available. Always refer to official sources for the most current updates regarding Vassos Alexander's career and personal decisions.