Robin Ince has quite as co-host of Radio 4 series the Infinite Monkey Cage over his "problematic" opinions.

Ince has been the regular co-presenter with scientist Brian Cox but has issued a statement explaining his shock decision.

He wrote 'From the desk of Robin Ince': "This is the saddest day of my progessional life."

He explained how he has resigned back in September. He said that “voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter. In a recent meeting where BBC studio executives again voiced problems, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices. I chose the latter. It broke my heart.”

He added that he saw his resignation as a “victory” for his critics.

He said: “I always imagined going on until I dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacs of macaque monkeys. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness and empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn’t pamper myself with the luxury of silence.”

The next edition of The Infinite Monkey Cage, which was recorded before Ince publicly announced his departure, airs on Radio 4 this Wednesday at 11am.