Ken Bruce is leaving BBC Radio 2 in March after 31 years of presenting the mid-morning weekday show, the BBC has announced.
The legendary broadcaster - who presents the hugely popular 9.30am to midday show on the station - said it was 'time for a change' as he announced his departure. The 71-year-old will leave the show in March.
He will join Greatest Hits Radio in April, presenting a show from 10am to 1pm on the Bauer radio station, alongside presenters including Simon Mayo at Drivetime and Jackie Brambles in the early evening.
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On leaving BBC Radio 2, Bruce said: "Nothing stays the same forever and I have decided the time is right for me to move on from Radio 2 when I reach the end of my current contract in March. It’s been a tremendously happy time for me: I’ve made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues.
"However I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio it’s time for a change. I would stress that this is entirely my decision but some new opportunities have come up and I would like to continue my career in a slightly different way in the next few years, the details of which will be revealed shortly.
"I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2 in particular and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped to make the mid-morning show a success."
A tweet posted by BBC Radio 2 said "We have some news…After 31 years of presenting the 9:30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave.
"We’re going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC."
On joining Greatest Hits Radio, Bruce added: "What better way to celebrate my 45 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 PopMaster, 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!”
The broadcaster joined the BBC in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland presenter and his first regular slot on Radio 2 was the Saturday Late Show in 1984. The following year he fronted the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, taking over from Sir Terry Wogan.
He hosted the PopMaster segment in the mid-morning slot at 10.30am on weekdays.
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