Ken Bruce, a host of BBC Radio 2’s weekday mid-morning broadcast, has announced his departure from the station after 31 years. His show is the most popular on British radio, and he is now joining a rival station Greatest Hits Radio.
“I have decided the time is right for me to move on from Radio 2,” he said, adding he’d had “a really pleasant period” but it was “time for a change”.
His retirement follows Steve Wright’s exit after 23 years as afternoon host. Paul O’Grady and Vanessa Feltz are two more popular presenters who have departed the station in the last year.
Bruce stated to the audience: “My present contract will expire in March, and I will be leaving Radio 2 at that point. Nothing remains constant indefinitely…
After 31 Years On BBC Radio 2, Ken Bruce Is Leaving To Join Greatest Hits
According to industry body Rajar, his show, noted for its daily Popmaster quiz, has more than 8.5 million weekly listeners.
He joined the BBC in 1977 and assumed his first regular Radio 2 spot in 1984, making him one of the station’s longest-serving hosts.
He moved to mid-mornings in 1986, then to late evenings and early mornings before returning to what would become his regular slot in 1992.
The 71-year-old explained:
“I really must emphasize that this is totally my decision, however, some new opportunities have come up and I would like to continue my work in just a slightly different way if that is possible in the next few years.
“In the meanwhile, I shall be eternally grateful for my relationship with the BBC, particularly Radio 2.” He plans to stay at the station until the end of March.
In a subsequent statement made by Greatest Hits Radio, Bruce stated that Popmaster would be featured in his new show, which will begin on April 3 and run from 10:00 to 13:00.
His former colleague Simon Mayo, who left Radio 2 in 2018, is already on the station’s roster. Bruce was described as a “broadcasting legend” by Ben Cooper, chief content and music officer of parent company Bauer Audio UK.
“Today is a highly historic moment for the industry, as well as an exciting announcement for Greatest Hits Radio and its growing audience,” he said.
‘A fantastic broadcaster.’
Bruce was recognized as “an incredible broadcaster with an astonishing career spanning many decades” by Lorna Clarke, head of BBC Music.
She went on to say:
“We, his loyal audience, and the Radio 2 all-star lineup will miss his warm humour and wit. Congratulations on a successful career.”
Bruce has also been Radio 2’s Eurovision Song Contest announcer since 1988.
Rylan Clark, who leads a Saturday Radio 2 show, tweeted: “On-air, you’ll be sorely missed, but I’ll miss having a beer in a foreign country and talking anything and everything while at Eurovision. Thank you for always being so sweet.”
Owain Wyn Evans, who is taking over as the station’s early breakfast host, described him as “a legend”.
According to the most recent BBC annual report, Bruce would earn between £385,000 and £389,999 in 2021-22.
The BBC has not yet announced who would replace Bruce, but Radio 2 frequently promotes presenters from its current roster.
Among those who could be considered for Bruce’s position are Trevor Nelson, Rylan Clark, Claudia Winkleman, Dermot O’Leary, and Jo Whiley.
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