Cricket legend Henry Blofeld may be hanging up his microphone – but he’s not done with the spotlight.

The commentator, who has been entertaining listeners of Test Match Special for 45 years, announced his retirement last week at the age of 78.

But the plummy-voiced radio star will be coming to Swindon Arts Centre next spring as part of a national speaking tour, 78 Retired. Mr Blofeld will spend the evening telling stories of a life spent behind the microphone.

Henry Blofeld, known as ‘Blowers’ to his thousands of fans, could have been one of the best cricketers of his generation – were it not for a schoolboy road accident that left him unconscious for 28 days and spelled the end of his career.

After a spell as a banker he drifted into journalism, working for the Guardian and ITN. He started commentating for the BBC in 1972. Aside from a short spell at Sky, “Blowers” has remained at the BBC ever since.

Speaking in a video posted on his website last week Mr Blofeld told fans: “I’m afraid all good things come to an end. I’ve decided the time is right now to hang up my microphone.

“You’ve been listening to me for fifty years. It’s been the greatest possible fun and I know I leave Test Match Special in the safest possible hands.

“It’s going to be tremendous listening for years and years ahead.”

Mr Blofeld plans to stay on for another three test matches. He will commentate on the first two matches between England and South Africa for the BBC’s Test Match Special, before finally retiring in September after the England-West Indies clash at Lords cricket ground in London.

He wrote in a statement: “Listeners will now be relieved to know that their chances of being told the right name of the fielders at third man and fine leg have greatly increased.

“I hope some will be sad that they will now hear less about the lifestyles of pigeons, seagulls, and helicopters, although I fear the general feeling will be one of huge relief.”

Henry Blofeld will visit Swindon Art Centre on Friday, April 6, 2018, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £22.50. For more, visit: www.swindontheatres.co.uk