BBC Radio 2 ‘legend’ Ken Bruce quits after 45 years of service

© Tim Merry Ken Bruce

For 31 years, Ken Bruce has been presenting the 9.30am to 12noon weekday slot of BBC Radio 2. However, on the popular show this morning, he announced that he was stepping down. The airwaves regular is the latest big name to part company with the station, following in the footsteps of Steve Wright, Paul O’Grady, Craig Charles and Vanessa Feltz.

Confirming the announcement in a tweet, BBC Radio 2 said the 71-year-old would be missed and congratulated the radio presenter on a “fantastic career at the BBC”. The social media statement read: “We have some news… After 31 years of presenting the 9:30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave.” It went on: “We’re going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC.”

Making his own statement, Ken Bruce declared it was “time for a change”. He said: “After 45 years of broadcasting on BBC Radio it’s time for a change.” He clarified: “I would stress that this is entirely my decision. I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2”.

READ MORE: ITV This Morning’s Alison Hammond bags glitzy new role as ‘legend’ steps out on to red carpet

According to the Mirror, Ken will be leaving the radio station at the end of March as Bauer announced Ken will be joining Greatest Hits Radio. He will replace Mark Goodier from 10am until 1pm on weekdays, with his new gig starting in April.

The radio DJ said of his new role: “What better way to celebrate my forty-five years in radio than with a new adventure and a brand-new show on Greatest Hits Radio

“I say brand-new but there will still be Pop Master, me and my musings and all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s. I’m looking forward to getting started and to you joining me for my very first show. See you in April!”

Ken will kickstart a weekday line up that also includes presenters Simon Mayo at Drivetime and Jackie Brambles in the early evening. Ben Cooper, chief content and music officer for Bauer Audio UK, said: “Ken Bruce is a broadcasting legend, with the biggest radio show in the UK, so as well as today being an exciting announcement for Greatest Hits Radio and its growing audience, it is a hugely significant moment for the industry. What a fantastic start to a great year of increased ambition and innovation for Bauer Media Audio.”

READ NEXT