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.". Unforgotten can survive without Nicola Walker, Quinta Brunson's brilliant Abbott Elementary lives up to the hype, Post Malone announces UK and Europe tour dates and ticket sales, On TV tonight, a new take on cult 1966 spaghetti Western Django, What happened to Stephanie Slater, the kidnapping victim explored in new Channel 5 documentary, Who stars in the new Alibi series, how many episodes there are and where it was filmed, Olivier Awards nominees in full as Jodie Comer and Paul Mescal lead UK theatre nods, Reading and Leeds 2023 acts announced for the festival so far, and how to get tickets, BBC strike action target Budget and King's Coronation coverage as unions protest radio cuts, Red Nose Day date, BBC schedule, what we know about line-up and how to get involved, Do not sell or share my personal information. Boom Radio, a new station aimed at Radio 2s baby-boomer audience, staffed by veteran DJs such as David Hamilton, already claims 336,000 listeners. Were going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC., Bruce said: Nothing stays the same for ever 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. ", "However I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio its time for a change. Lets enjoy the week ahead!". Ben Cooper, chief content and music officer at Bauer Audio UK which owns Greatest Hits Radio, 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. @RealKenBruce pic.twitter.com/uPMdMSGd5D, Rylan Clark, who hosts a Radio 2 show on Saturdays, wrote on Twitter: "Going to be so missed on air, but personally I'll miss having a beer in a foreign country discussing anything and everything whilst at Eurovision. "My mums like, Norman, give over. His departure comes after Steve Wright left after 23 years as afternoon host. Chris Evans 25/1. He will be on air every weekday in the mid-morning slot, from 10am until 1pm. Something went wrong, please try again later. BBC broadcasting legend Ken Bruce is leaving Radio 2 after 31 years presenting his weekday mid-morning show. January 17, 2023, 12:15 pm. Greatest Hits Radio (@greatesthitsuk) January 17, 2023. It is part of us, it is in our DNA. After 31 years as the presenter of the Radio 2 mid-morning weekday show, Ken Bruce will shortly leave for pastures new. The BBC has been contacted for further comment. In a statement on Twitter, the broadcaster said: "I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. A beautiful man whos always been so lovely to me at @BBCRadio2 . The broadcaster, 72, was due to leave his mid-morning weekday show after 31 years at the end of March. Its been a tremendously happy time for me: Ive made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues.. In April, the Radio DJ will be moving to Bauers Greatest Hits Radio to present a new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm. Greatest Hits Radio tweeted: Weve been keeping a big secret We are delighted to announce that legendary broadcaster @RealKenBruce will be joining the Greatest Hits Radio family in April.. You can listen back to the most recent instalments via BBC Sounds. SouthCity Posts: 10,482. "My dad is a lorry driver and I said this when I joined Radio 2 and started standing in for Steve Wright, so weve always had Radio 2 on in the background. Bruce, 72, announced that he will leave BBC Radio 2 when his current contract comes to an end in March. "What a fantastic start to a great year of increased ambition and innovation for Bauer Media Audio. The station's line-up already includes his former colleague Simon Mayo, who left Radio 2 in 2018. The BBC confirmed that Ken Bruce would be replaced by Vernon Kay with the new host taking over in May. The BBC has not yet confirmed who will replace Bruce, however Radio 2 often promotes presenters from within its existing roster. Im looking forward to getting started and to you joining me for my very first show. The broadcaster, 71, confirmed on Tuesday (January 17) that he would be leaving the station in March to join Greatest Hits Radio. ", Click to subscribe to Backstage wherever you get your podcasts. Bruce is one of Radio 2s longest-serving DJs, having joined the BBC in 1977 before picking up a regular slot in 1984 (via BBC News). Theyve also been generous. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. Bruce will present his final 9.30am to midday show on March 3. His slot is the most. Since the announcement, Bruces listeners have been expressing their concern over the future of PopMaster, the daily music quiz that tests two fans music knowledge. Ben Cooper, chief content and music officer at parent company Bauer Audio UK, said Bruce was "a broadcasting legend, with the biggest radio show in the UK". Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Vernon went on to get emotional as he reflected on all the support he has received since he was announced as the new host earlier this month. BBC broadcasting legend Ken Bruce is leaving Radio 2 after 31 years presenting his weekday mid-morning show. The 71-year-old broadcaster will leave once his contract ends in March, saying, "It possibly is time to . Thanks for always being so lovely.". Ken Bruce will join Greatest Hits Radio in April after leaving his mid-morning weekday slot on BBC Radio 2 after 31 years in March, it has been announced. Read about our approach to external linking. Scott Mills has replaced Ken for an undisclosed amount of time on Radio 2. I say [the show is] 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, he said in a statement about his new role. "I have decided the time is right for me to move on from Radio 2," he said, adding he'd had "a tremendously happy time" but it was "time for a change". Insiders fear Radio 2 is seeking to lure 30-something mums who go clubbing in Ibiza from rival stations at the expense of older listeners. Due to your consent preferences, youre not able to view this. Vernon's chat on the airwaves comes as his predecessor Ken says he's been forced to leave the station early, explaining last week will air this Friday, rather than the end of March. Were going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC. . Ken Bruce has announced he is leaving BBC Radio 2 "after 45 years of broadcasting on BBC Radio" as "it's time for a change" his statement reads. Its been a tremendously happy time for me: Ive made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues. 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited. John Motson, legendary BBC football commentator, dies aged 77, BBC India offices raided by tax officials in New Delhi and Mumbai, BBC chairman Richard Sharp retains support of Rishi Sunak despite Boris Johnson loan row, "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. Bruce has been a fixture on Radio 2 since the mid-1980s, Bruce said his new show would include "Popmaster, me and my musings and all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s". Ben Cooper, chief content and music officer at 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. The decision has been taken to stifle Bruces self-promotion ahead of him joining the Bauer-owned station from 3 April, according to sources who spoke to The Times. Dermot OLeary,Zoe BallandSara Coxare also rumoured to be in the running to take over when Bruce departs. He will remain at the station until the end of March, he said. ", While former Countdown star Carol Vorderman chimed in: "I couldnt wish you more love in the world Ken. Accessibility links. "However I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio it's time for a change. Speaking on Friday,Bruce revealed thathe had intended to fulfil his contract at Radio 2 which was due to run out at the end of March. Ken's show is famous for PopMaster, a quiz which has run for 25 years, Tracks of My Years, where a famous person chooses their favourite records and more recently, The Piano Room, featuring live music from a range of great artists. He added that BBC had decided it wants me to leave earlier. Ken has been treated appallingly after his many years of service, one insider said. Thanks for always being so lovely. Now, Bruce has revealed that PopMaster, which he bought the rights to when the quiz debuted, will continue on his new Greatest Hits Radio show when it launches in the spring. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said of its musical selections: We are told by listeners that just because they are a certain age, it doesnt mean they dont want to hear new music.. 2023 BBC. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. "First thing my dad said in the background my mum always picks up, so in the background my dad went, Big boots them, son'," Vernon recalled when chatting to Zoe. They have no choice but to let him go sooner rather than later. Earlier today, Kay said: . +5 Numbers: Radio 2's. The broadcaster will then present his first show on Greatest Hits Radio on Monday 3. Bruce, 71, said "the time is right" for him to leave, announcing the news on Tuesday's show. Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. Do you have a story to sell? From PopMaster to Eurovision, here's why millions of people tune in to our Ken. Scott Mills, who replaced Steve Wright in the Radio 2 afternoon slot, is also among the frontunners, while Rylan Clark is seen as a candidate if the station seeks to appeal to a younger audience. Bruce, 71, said "the time is right" for him to leave, announcing the news on Tuesday's show. Im looking forward to getting started and to you joining me for my very first show. He's an absolute legend of broadcaster. Fans have flooded Bruce's comments section to send their best wishes to the presenter following the news. The 71-year-old said he will be leaving the show next Friday rather than at the end of March as intended. The broadcaster started working at the corporation in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland presenter. Until Kay takes over later this year,Sounds Of The 80s show presenter Gary Davies will stand in from March 6. "Were going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC.". Available now Nigel Harman 57:00 All available. He has been part of every significant occasion marked by BBC Radio 2 and we, his faithful audience and the Radio 2 all-star line-up will miss his warm humour and wit. Listeners, who took to social media to express their shock at Bruces exit, have also rebelled against Radio 2s evolving music policy. New Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay spoke with Zoe Ball on the BBC station this morning, as the presenter's predecessor Ken Bruce says he's been forced to leave his popular slot early following yet another shake-up at the station. ", Ken Bruce to leave BBC Radio 2 after 31 years on mid-morning show. He moved to mid mornings in 1986, then after a brief stint on late nights and early mornings, he returned to mid mornings in January 1992, where the shows most recent weekly reach was 8.56m (Rajar, Q3 2022). VideoRescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Congratulations on a brilliant career.. The broadcaster started working at the corporation in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland presenter. You dont think of any other DJ when you think of that slot- he's made it his own. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. Ken Bruce has provided radio commentary for the live music show since . The 71-year-old said: "I really must stress that this is entirely my decision, however some new opportunities have come up and I would like to continue my career in just a slightly different way if that is possible in the next few years. BBC Radio 2 - Ken Bruce The best in music every weekday with Ken Bruce, with live sessions. Why is Scott Mills on Radio 2 today? "I'm looking forward to getting started and to you joining me for my very first show. He moved to mid mornings in 1986, then after a brief stint on late nights and early mornings, he returned to mid mornings in January 1992, where the show's most recent weekly reach was 8.56m (RAJAR, Q3 2022). Bruce started at the BBC in his early 30s and has said thathe 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. 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. Bruce will be temporarily replaced by Gary Davies on BBC Radio 2 until Vernon Kay steps into the 9.30am slot in May. All rights reserved. Why TV and radio presenters are leaving the BBC, Steve Wright signs off from Radio 2 afternoon show, Paul O'Grady signs off final Radio 2 show, Vanessa Feltz leaving her two BBC radio shows, How radio is providing 'friendship and escapism', Dozens killed after two trains collide in Greece, Survivors describe 'nightmarish seconds' as trains crashed, Rescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash. He has been part of every significant occasion marked by BBC Radio 2 and we, his faithful audience and the Radio 2 all-star line-up will miss his warm humour and wit. 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. Kens show is famous for PopMaster, a quiz which has run for 25 years, Tracks of My Years, where a famous person chooses their favourite records and more recently, The Piano Room, featuring live music from a range of great artists.. Bruce has also been Radio 2's voice of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1988. Speaking with Zoe on Radio 2 this morning, Vernon gushed how excited he was to be joining the station and paid tribute to Ken ahead of the replacing the broadcasting legend. The networks presenters include Michael Ball, Zoe Ball, Rob Beckett, Tony Blackburn, OJ Borg, Rev. Congratulations on a brilliant career.". Today 09:30. 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, the DJ said in a statement. Enter Ken's fiendish music quiz on air or play along at home with the official scorecard. Entertainment & arts reporter BBC Radio 2's Ken Bruce has announced on air that he is leaving the station after 31 years hosting its weekday mid-morning show. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Date of Ken Bruce's final day on Radio 2 and why he's leaving for Greatest Hits early, When presenter Steve Allen left LBC and his statement following immediate exit, If PopMaster will continue on BBC Radio 2 after Ken Bruce leaves, 31 years as the presenter of the Radio 2 mid-morning weekday show, he will leave BBC Radio 2 when his current contract comes to an end in March, after 45 years on the BBC it was time for a change, as bringing PopMaster to his Greatest Hits Radio show, specific regional frequencies for the show on Planet Radio, Sophie Rundle: Motherhood has made me too tired to people-please', BBC bids to smooth over Ken Bruce exit row ahead of DJ's thorny last week at Radio 2, Phew! Weve been keeping a big secret We are delighted to announce that legendary broadcaster @RealKenBruce will be joining the Greatest Hits Radio family in April. Bruce started at the BBC in his early 30s and has said that 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. Date of Ken Bruce's final day on Radio 2 and why he's leaving for Greatest Hits early, When presenter Steve Allen left LBC and his statement following immediate exit, If PopMaster will continue on BBC Radio 2 after Ken Bruce leaves, BBCs radio legends is leaving the broadcaster after 30 years, Chris Evanss departure for Virgin Radio in 2019, PopMaster, a quiz which has run for 25 years, Sophie Rundle: Motherhood has made me too tired to people-please', BBC bids to smooth over Ken Bruce exit row ahead of DJ's thorny last week at Radio 2, Phew! And this Spring, Radio 2 presents a stellar range of brilliant live music (including a Country extravaganza), world exclusive interviews and exciting new programming. Ken Bruce was axed early by Radio 2 after the BBC got 'frustrated' at the station that . 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