Former BBC radio star Adam Porter has revealed his new career move following his departure from the broadcaster on March 28 after 24 years. The legendary news reader has launched a new canal-based podcast, The Water Road, after starting a new life afloat following his BBC exit. During his time with the broadcaster he became a fan favourite reading the news on Radio 2, 6Music, and 5live. He also appeared on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. Listeners are familiar with his love of waterways as the late Steve Wright often referred to him as Captain on air, because of his canal boat.

In a huge lifestyle shift he and his husband, Adrian, moved out of their house and onto their narrowboat in an attempt to travel as much of the network as possible. Adam felt a podcast was the perfect way to share his enthusiasm for canals and rivers. “There are dozens of canal YouTubers but I’ve always been a radio man, so audio was always going to be my thing. There are so many sounds that exemplify the waterways, from the clicking of winding lock paddles to boat engines and birdsong," he said.

Two episodes of The Water Road are already available and the fortnightly show will release another two episodes in May.

Adam says the episodes will highlight features of the waterways, canalside attractions and interviews with people involved.

The former news presenter took voluntary redundancy from the broadcaster in advance of his departure.

He informed fans that he would be stepping down from his role at the beginning of March this year.

Taking to Instagram he wrote: "After 24 years at the BBC, I have decided to take voluntary redundancy and will be leaving towards the end of March. I’ve loved working in the Radio Newsroom and being on Radio 2 and 6Music.

"I’ve worked with fantastic colleagues both in the newsroom and on air, and I’ve been there for some really big stories.

"But now is the time to move on to new waters. Stay tuned for plenty of boating content!" he teased pre-empting his new project.

The Water Road is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many of the smaller podcast platforms.