Hundreds of workers at BBC staged a walkout this afternoon in solidarity with former Director General Mr Greg Dyke.
Up to 400 workers walked out of BBC TV Centre in west London. Many held hurriedly-made banners saying: "Bring Back Greg" and one had a photograph of Mr Dyke superimposed onto a figure of the BBC Children In Need's mascot, Pudsey bear.
Just before he announced his resignation on the steps Broadcasting House today, Mr Dyke sent a personal message to BBC staff saying he did not want to go.
"This is the hardest e-mail I've ever written," he wrote.
"In a few minutes I'll be announcing to the outside world that I'm leaving after four years as director general. I don't want to go and I'll miss everyone here hugely."
Mr Dyke, who handed in his resignation to the board of governors last night, said the heavy criticism of BBC management in the Hutton report had forced him into a corner.
"I am responsible for the management so it's right I take responsibility for what happened," his e-mail said.
"I accept that the BBC made errors of judgment and I've sadly come to the conclusion that it will be hard to draw a line under this whole affair while I am still here.
"We need closure. We need closure to protect the future of the BBC, not for you or me but for the benefit of everyone out there. It might sound pompous but I believe the BBC really matters."
Mr Dyke, who commanded huge respect from staff of all ranks, said his aim had been to defend the BBC's editorial independence and to act in the public interest.
He then went on to praise staff at the corporation and said he hoped all their work would leave positive legacy.
He finished on a personal note, saying: "I hope that, over the last four years, I've helped to make it a more human place where everyone who works here feels appreciated. If that's anywhere near true I leave contented, if sad."
PA