Anne Diamond was heralded as the centrepiece of BBC Radio Oxford's much-criticised revamp 18 months ago.

Now the so-called jewel is going. She announced her departure to listeners of her Breakfast Show on air yesterday.

The BBC said that her experience had "brought a special dimension to our local programmes".

Many listeners will disagree. In the early days, the Oxford Mail was flooded with letters complaining about her style of presentation.

Some said she talked too much and never gave interviewees a chance to speak. Others complained that she couldn't even give the right time.

TV and radio bosses rely heavily on high-profile celebrities to boost ratings. But as Radio Oxford has discovered to its cost, the policy sometimes backfires.

Ms Diamond has resurrected her national profile once again through appearances on ITV's Celebrity Fit Club.

The offers of work are apparently flooding in -- so it's bye-bye Radio Oxford.

Her show was not exactly a compelling one. Often, it was like a radio version of Acorn Antiques.

But she went about it with her usual breathless gusto and nobody should blame her for moving onto more lucrative pastures new.

So farewell then Anne. It's been an experience that many listeners will certainly never forget!