As Gordon Burns walks through the winding corridors of the BBC’s Manchester headquarters, a young radio producer stops in her tracks before him, bows and hails: "We’re not worthy".

It’s the sort of thing that happens when Gordon’s around. There aren’t many broadcasters quite as revered, or who will be quite as missed when he delivers his final broadcast as anchor of North West Tonight, tonight.

When news broke that he was to leave a role he’s occupied for almost 15 years, it was met by a predictable wave of consternation from fans. But Gordon, 69, is philosophical about the timing of his departure, which coincides with the move to MediaCity.

He says: "I could never, ever retire. Back in 2008 I said 2010 might be the time when I finish. But, a bit like Fergie at United, I got to that time and I was still really enjoying it. They offered me another contract, but with the arrival of Salford on the scene with a new studio and technology, that was either a) a very exciting prospect, or b) an apt moment to step down and go with a new-look team. It was their view to start with a whole new team."

He’s quick to dismiss rumours that he’s unhappy with the decision – and laughs off a story in one paper suggesting he won’t invite bosses to his leaving do.

He says: "It’s absolute nonsense. There’s no animosity or bad feeling, I would never say a word against the BBC. I know it sounds like a cliché but this really has been the most fun building to work in."

But while he’ll be leaving the hotseat on North West Tonight, this is far from Gordon’s retirement. He recently started a show for BBC Radio Manchester, which broadcasts Sundays from 9-11am, a role he’s relishing. And it’s one that will take him to Salford Quays after all.

He beams: "I was terrified doing the first show as radio is a whole new medium for me. But I love the freedom."

This week has been a chance for Belfast-born Gordon to reflect on his 50-year-media career, which started in 1960 as a cub reporter on the Belfast Telegraph and took in Ulster TV, World In Action and Granada, and, of course, the role that cemented his cult status – presenting, scripting and developing The Krypton Factor for 18 years.

But despite the plaudits from his peers, and the plethora of websites in his honour, the likes of ‘Gordon Burns, Man or Legend?’, he is modest about his status.

He laughs: "People have been emailing and tweeting all week calling me an ‘icon’ and ‘legend’, but my wife says if they could see me in my pyjamas picking my nose they’d say differently! I’m just an ordinary bloke who does a job."

For his final week at North West Tonight, he was asked to come up with a wishlist of who he’d like to interview. It started with that exclusive with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Monday, followed by an emotional talk with Gee Walker, the mother of murderered Huyton teenager Anthony Walker, who Gordon describes as ‘the most inspirational woman I’ve ever met’.

It’s fitting that both powerful and revelatory interviews made the national headlines. He was touched with the response, including from Sir Alex.

He says: "At the end of the interview with Sir Alex he launched into this fantastic little tribute about how much he admired my work, it caught me completely and utterly by surprise."

On Wednesday it was chance for Gordon to look back at his interviews with the last eight Prime Ministers, dating back to Ted Heath in 1972, up to David Cameron this week.

Memorable moments included a ‘handbagging’ from Margaret Thatcher, who told him not to interrupt her and John Major losing his temper, although his favourite PM was Gordon Brown, not least because he once missed a Manchester United game because of an interview with the PM, and Brown insisted should it ever happen again, the two Gordons should watch the game together at Downing Street.

As for his final day, it promises to be frantic. He’ll be delivering the lunchtime bulletin then heading to an impromptu ‘Gordon Burns Buffet’ organised by radio presenters Stuart Maconie and Mark Radcliffe, who have asked him to join them on their BBC 6 Music show for a special edition of ‘The Chain’ radio links he’s done with them over the years. Then it will be on to that final North West Tonight, which is set to be full of surprises, and perhaps a few tears.

He’s organised his own leaving do ‘paid for by me, not the BBC, before there are any complaints,’ he chuckles.

There are plenty of irons in the fire for the future, including a media consultancy business, as well as a project to roll out a Krypton Factor-style quiz format in pubs.

He says: "I think of it as a new chapter from here. Hopefully not the last."

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