Rob Brydon jokingly asked fans to "respect his privacy" at a "difficult" time after a BBC co-star recently announced they were quitting. News broke recently that Ken Bruce would be leaving his BBC Radio 2 show after 31 years.
Swansea-born Gavin and Stacey star Rob lamented the loss of Ken from the programme on Twitter, writing: "Devastated to hear @RealKenBruce has decided to leave @BBCRadio2. I ask that people please respect my privacy at this difficult time."
Announcing his departure, Ken explained to listeners: "I have decided the time is right for me to move on from Radio 2. I’ll reach the end of my current contract in March, and so at that point I will be moving on from Radio 2. Nothing stays the same forever... I have been here for quite a long time now, and it possibly is time to move over and let somebody else have a go." You can get more showbiz news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
But fans of Ken won't have to look far to find him in his new venture, as the official Greatest Hits Radio account quickly reassured Rob: "Fear not @RobBrydon Ken’s joining us PopMaster and all from April 3rd!"
Ken's fans were quick to respond to Rob's tweet with their own messages lamenting the departure. One wrote: "Can’t believe it. Mornings without Ken – how will I get any work done and what about PopMaster and Tracks of Their Years?!"
Another said: "Don’t, I’m in bits!” another begged. “Poor old Radio 2 is gonna lose a load of listeners – I shall be going with Ken without a doubt." However, the departure has also seen comments that Ken's decision to leave the show has stemmed from "seemingly ever-younger DJs" having been brought in over the years.
Speaking about Ken's decision to leave Radio 2 on This Morning, Vanessa Feltz said: "Well, I haven’t spoken to him personally, but I imagine it’s a feeling of some sense of ageism at the BBC. That once you get over a certain age your days are numbered, you’re not valued in a certain way."
Responding to a contact for comment from The Daily Star, a BBC spokesperson said: "Ken explained his reasons for leaving Radio 2 in his quote and on air. We respect his decision and wish him the very best of luck in the future as he’s been a much loved part of the Radio 2 family.
"Radio 2 is hugely proud of having a range of presenters from their 30s to 80 years old on the station, an age range which hasn’t changed in decades, in fact Ken Bruce started presenting on Radio 2 at the age of 32.
"Radio 2 will continue to be a multi-generational radio station that serves a 35+ audience with listeners tuning in each week to our brilliant range of programmes, hosted by some of the UK’s best loved presenters. We continue to play a wide variety of the best music from the past seven decades, including from the 60s and 70s."
READ NEXT:
Love Island's Paige Thorne shows support for striking paramedics as she visits picket line
This Morning's Phillip Schofield recalls saving his dad's life using CPR
Loose Women's Brenda Edwards breaks down hearing Ed Sheeran song dedicated to late son
Happy Valley's James Norton shares exclusive Tommy Lee Royce update on The One Show
Find images from Wales's past here:
