Ken Bruce leaving BBC Radio 2 after 31 years in The Mid-Morning Show | Ents & Arts News

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BBC broadcasting legend Ken Bruce is leaving Radio 2 after 31 years presenting his weekday mid-morning show.

Bruce, 71, said it was “the time is right” for him to leave, announcing the news on the Tuesday show. He will be joining Greatest Hits Radio in April.

The broadcaster began working for the Corporation in 1977 as a presenter for BBC Radio Scotland.

In 1984 he landed his first regular slot presenting The Saturday Late Show before taking over The Radio 2 Breakfast Show from Sir Terry Wogan the following year. He has topped his mid-morning show since 1992 with a recent weekly audience of 8.56 million people.

He has also presented Radio 2’s coverage of Eurovision since 1988.

In a statement, Bruce said: “Nothing stays the same forever and I’ve 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 very happy time for me: I’ve made many friends and worked with many Wonderful fellows.

“However, I feel that after 45 years of broadcasting full time on BBC Radio it is time for a change. I would like to stress that this is entirely my decision however some new opportunities have arisen and I would like to continue my career in a slightly different way in the next few years Details will be revealed soon.

“I will always be proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2 in particular and would like to thank everyone who helped make The Mid-Morning Program a success.”

Lorna Clarke, Radio 2’s Head of Production, said: “Ken is an exceptional broadcaster with an exceptional career over many decades. He has been a part of every important occasion that has marked BBC Radio 2 and we his loyal audience and Radio 2 all-star lineup will miss his sense of humor and wit. Congratulations.” On a wonderful run.”

Radio 2 will announce the host and details of the new mid-morning show at a later date.

Bruce will be presenting from 10am-1pm on Greatest Hits Radio, joining presenters including Simon Mayo on Drivetime and Jackie Brambles in the early evening.

He said: “What better way to celebrate 45 years in radio than with a new adventure and a brand new show on Greatest Hits Radio. I say brand new but there’s still PopMaster, Me and My Reflections and all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s.”

“I’m looking forward to getting started and having you join me for my first show. See you in April!”

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Ben Cooper, chief content and music officer at Bauer Audio UK which owns Greatest Hits Radio, said: “Ken Bruce is a radio legend, with the biggest radio show in the UK, as well as today being an exciting commercial for Greatest Hits Radio and its growing audience, it’s an important moment Too much for the industry.

“What a great start to a fantastic year of increased ambition and innovation for Bauer Media Audio.”

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