KEN Bruce has been the staple of BBC Radio 2 since the 80s.
So you won’t be surprised to hear that fans were left in shock when the Scottish DJ has announced he had quit his popular mid-morning show.
Ken Bruce has quit BBC Radio 2Rex
Why is Ken Bruce leaving Radio 2?
On January 17, 2023 Ken Bruce shocked his adoring Radio 2 audience when he announced her had quit his mid-morning show.
The programme runs from 9.30am until 12pm every weekday morning.
But he has now revealed he will be departing the show in March 2023.
In a statement Ken 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.”
Radio 2 will announce Ken’s replacement host and details of the new mid-morning show at a later date.
The departure follows the exit of another long-running station icon, Steve Wright.
How long has Ken Bruce presented Radio 2?
Ken began his broadcasting career 45 years ago in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland staff presenter.
He joined Radio 2 in 1983, meaning he has worked at the station for 40 years.
After various different slots on the show, he is best known for his mid-morning programme, which he has hosted since 1992.
On the show he is known for his popular PopMaster quiz.
What will Ken Bruce do now?
Ken isn’t sailing off into retirement just yet, instead he’s launching a brand new show on Greatest Hits Radio and is taking his beloved PopMaster quiz with him.
The daily quiz lets viewers flex their music knowledge as they answer a series of questions dating from the beginnings of pop music to the current chart.
Of his new gig, Ken said: “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 PopMaster, me and my musings and all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to getting started and to you joining me for my very first show. See you in April!”
Who will replace Ken Bruce?
On February 23, 2023, The Sun revealed how Vernon Kay is set to replace Ken Bruce on his legendary BBC Radio 2 show.
It’s reported that the former Family Fortunes star has signed a lucrative two year deal.
A source told us: “Vernon has a raft of fresh, new ideas and content, but will not be trying to reinvent the wheel here – he knows how important this show is to listeners, and wants them to feel welcome and safe.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We’ve seen a lot of speculation about who will take over the much coveted mid-morning slot on Radio 2, and we’ll confirm the new presenter in the near future.”
