Mark Radcliffe and Marc Riley are going their separate ways

In a telephone message from Japan, the star told them: "Goodbye chaps, it was all for the best - all of it."

The duo, also known as Mark and Lard, will go their separate ways - Radcliffe to Radio 2 and Riley to 6 Music.

Bowie said he first appeared on their show in 1995, when the pair sent a sleigh to collect him from his hotel.

Radcliffe and Riley have hosted Radio 1 shows for the past 10 years, including a 1997 stint on its breakfast show.

They will be replaced by the station's former weekend hosts Edith Bowman and Colin Murray.

It really is time to let you go, you are really over the hill Andy Parfitt Radio 1 controller

Their final show followed a tribute from fellow Radio 1 DJs, who sang a version of Have a Nice Day by the Stereophonics.

"It really is time to let you go, you are really over the hill," joked Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt.

The pair, who had criticised Radio 1's playlist, played favourite songs by artists such as Black Box Recorder, The Divine Comedy and studio guests Travis during their final show.

Radcliffe will present his Radio 2 show from Monday to Thursday at 1030BST from 7 June, while Riley will begin a new weekend show on digital station 6 Music from 3 April.

Bowie first appeared on the show in 1995

The duo's departure is part of a revamp of Radio 1, the BBC's major contemporary music station.

"These changes have come about as a result of Mark and Lard leaving the network and Sara Cox going on maternity leave," said a BBC spokesman last month.

"This has allowed us to bring some fresh young talent to daytime on Radio 1 in the weekdays and expand the roles of some newer talent at the weekend."

Radcliffe's arrival at Radio 2 comes during changes to that station as well.

Among the other new signings are Mariella Frostrup, who will present a new two-hour arts strand every Friday. The show from 10pm to midnight starts on 16 April.