Ken Bruce has been showered with support from fans after saying the BBC wanted him to leave early. Ken took to Twitter with a statement to say his last BBC Radio 2 show will air next Friday, rather than the end of March as he had intended.
The legendary broadcaster, who has presented his mid-afternoon show at the station for 31 years, said yesterday evening: "I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let’s enjoy the week ahead!"
It was announced in January that Ken, 72, whose show is the most listened-to on British radio, is moving to Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio to present a brand new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm from Monday April 3. The Scottish radio DJ said he would “always be proud” of his association with the BBC and Radio 2, but that he wanted to continue his career “in a slightly different way in the next few years."
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Yesterday afternoon it was revealed that Ken would be replaced by Bolton broadcaster Vernon Kay. The 2020 I'm a Celebrity finalist, who had his own Radio One show and has filled in on for Rylan Clark, Dermot O'Leary and Steve Wright and Zoe Ball on Radio 2, will take over the position in May.
The BBC has said in response to Ken's statement: "Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s leaving in March. Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. We wish Ken all the best for the future."
Author and quiz show presenter Richard Osman told Ken: "Hopefully you can squeeze in a 'House Of Games' in between. Thank you for the countless joys of your wonderful show, and long may they continue in your new home."
Former Countdown Carol Vorderman told him: "Couldn’t wish you more love in the world Ken. Thank you for everything you’ve done and the smiles you gave Whiters and I on Countdown so many times. Onto your next huge chapter." And singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers replied: "I love you Ken! And I’m not afraid to admit it! Let’s go elsewhere."
@Cob_Pen tweeted: "Looking forward to hearing you on your New slot 'Greatest Hits Radio' Only listen to you on radio 2 now, heart and soul gone from the station. Good luck for the future."
@chriscurleyman said: "Thank you Ken. You will be missed but we will find you. Congratulations on a job incredibly well done." And @gordystraube decided: "Won't be listening to radio 2 again after next Friday."
Ken previously said about leaving the BBC after 45 years: "I would stress that this is entirely my decision. I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2".
Vernon, 48, presented on Channel 4’s T4 as well as All Star Family Fortunes, Just The Two Of Us, and Beat The Star. He presented his own BBC Radio One show between 2004 and 2012, and another on Radio X between 2015 and 2017.
He said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone to present the mid-morning show on Radio 2, and what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce. I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel I’ve got to know over the last 18 months. It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start.”
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “Radio 2 is home to some of the UK’s best-loved presenters, and I’m thrilled to welcome Vernon to mid-mornings on Radio 2. He’s a hugely talented, warm and witty host who has already proved himself to be a firm favourite with our listeners when he’s presented many and varied shows across the station. I can’t wait to hear his brilliant new show.”
Zoe Ball cheered: "Can't wait for handovers champ." Davina McCall: "I literally cannot tell you how utterly joyful this news has made me. When you interviewed me and DW and CD that morning I was completely blown away by how brilliant you were … this is THE BEST NEWS Vernon .!!!! What a gig and what an honour but also @bbcradio2 are really lucky to have you." And Dermot O'Leary said: "The best news x"
Ken's popular Popmaster quiz will feature in his new programme on Greatest Hits Radio. The station's line-up already includes his former colleague Simon Mayo, who left Radio 2 in 2018.
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