Jim Wilson is walking away from the microphone after announcing he would be departing his role at 2GB. He announced the news live on-air during his show Drive with Jim Wilson. (Source: news.com.au)

His shock departure comes on the heels of the radio ratings being released, revealing his show was ranked sixth overall in the drive timeslot (3pm to 6pm), sitting behind KIIS, Smooth FM, Nova, ABC and WSFM.

It was a stark drop from the top spot claimed by former host Ben Fordham when he held the same timeslot for 2GB before moving to the breakfast show.

But Wilson clarified his decision to step away had nothing to do with the ratings and was one he had made the week prior.

“By the way, this decision to leave was actually made late last week, it had nothing to do with yesterday’s survey and that is the honest truth and I am sorry that we weren’t able to have some more fun. But anyway, we crack on,” he said on air.

Wilson went on to say the fire still burns and he’s already excited for what the future may hold.

“I love what I do and I’ve still got the passion to do more in the future,” he said.

“There’s nothing like live broadcasting and I say bring on the next chapter.”

Wilson made the decision to join 2GB in 2020 after spending years behind the desk as a sports presenter and editor at Channel 7 Sydney.

“What matters to me is integrity and being true to myself and to you,” he said.

“I have given this gig my all over two-and-a-half years and I am not into self indulgent sort of carry on, it is just not me, hence why tomorrow will be my last show. I don’t want some farewell tour of sorts and my biggest priority in making this decision was making certain I could tell you first.”

Attention now turns to who will replace Wilson in the drive timeslot with several candidates jumping out.

TV reporter Chris O’Keefe is regarded as the most likely contender to replace Wilson, according to the Herald Sun.

Others said to be in the mix for the coveted role are Mark Levy, Chris Smith, Michael McLaren and Luke Grant.