Comedian and broadcaster Robin Ince has resigned from his long-running BBC Radio 4 programme The Infinite Monkey Cage, bringing to an end a 16-year association with one of the broadcaster’s most popular science shows.
Ince, 56, has co-presented the programme alongside physicist Professor Brian Cox since its launch in 2009. The show, known for its witty and irreverent take on science, has built a loyal audience over more than a decade.
In a statement shared on social media, Ince described his resignation as “the saddest day of my professional life”.
“I never thought I would have to leave the show,” he wrote, adding that he had imagined continuing until “I dropped dead under the studio lights” while grappling with complex scientific ideas.
Resignation confirmed months after departure
Ince revealed that he stepped away from the programme in September, explaining that his “opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for some time”.
He cited his public support for the trans community, his criticism of Donald Trump, and other controversial views as reasons he was told his position had become increasingly difficult.
“These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter,” he said.
Ince claimed that during a meeting with BBC executives, concerns were raised again, leaving him with a choice between remaining “obedient and quieter” or resigning in order to retain the freedom to speak openly.
“I chose the latter. It broke my heart,” he said.
BBC disputes Ince’s account
The BBC has rejected Ince’s version of events.
In a brief statement, a BBC spokesperson said:
“We would like to thank Robin Ince for everything he’s done for Infinite Monkey Cage over the past 16 years and wish him all the best for the future. We will announce more Monkey Cage news in due course.”
The broadcaster did not directly address Ince’s claims about ideological conflict.
Standing by activism and allyship
Ince said the decision to leave was driven by a belief that silence was no longer an option in the face of what he described as “extremist voices promoting hate and division”.
He referenced personal influences including Sinéad O’Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and his father, crediting them with instilling values of fairness, justice and kindness.
In a separate video posted on Instagram before announcing his resignation, Ince said there was “no clear way through” to being the “right ally”, noting that whatever stance is taken, criticism is inevitable.
He said he would always choose “empathy over easy cruelty”.
Support from fans and fellow artists
Friends, fans and fellow creatives rallied around Ince following his announcement.
Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor wrote: “Can’t imagine how hard it must be to walk away but leading with love makes you truly one of the good guys.”
Comedian Jen Brister said: “This will hurt but you can walk towards your next adventure with your head held high.”
Author Heidi Mavir described his departure as “a loss to broadcasting” and praised his decision to “lead by example”.
A long history of advocacy
Outside his BBC work, Ince has been a vocal advocate for various social causes, including library funding, trans rights, and climate activism.
He has also attended several Just Stop Oil events. Earlier this year, he wrote that he admired the courage of protesters who, he said, had received harsher sentences for planning peaceful protest than some individuals convicted of violent crimes.
Despite stepping away from the BBC, Ince said he hopes his decision will allow him to become “a better ally” and remain outspoken on issues he believes matter.
