Bruce said: What better way to celebrate my 45 years in radio than with a new adventure and a brand-new show on Greatest Hits Radio. Ken has been missing from the airwaves this week on Radio 2. Ken Bruce has today announced that he has decided to leave BBC Radio 2 in March after 31 years of presenting the 9.30am midday weekday show. Bruce has hosted Radio 2s mid-morning show since 1992, following a stint in the same slot from 1986 to 1990. He went on to admit his parents, who are big fans of Ken's show, even jokingly piled on the pressure when it was announced he would be taking over from the veteran Radio 2 DJ. Fans of Ken Bruce's BBC Radio 2 show were left devastated by the news that his last BBC Radio 2 show will air next Friday, rather than the end of March. Kens name, image and voice are everywhere. Dermot OLeary,Zoe BallandSara Coxare also rumoured to be in the running to take over when Bruce departs. The BBC has been contacted for further comment. Vernon Kay enjoyed a telling chat with Zoe Ball on Radio 2 this morning, after being announced as Ken Bruce's replacement last week. Its been a tremendously happy time for me: Ive made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues., Lorna Clarke, director of BBC Music, said: Ken is an extraordinary broadcaster with an exceptional career over many decades. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? 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! (22 total). See you in April! . I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2 in particular and Id like to thank everyone who has helped to make the mid-morning show a success.. In April, the Radio DJ will be moving to Bauers Greatest Hits Radio to present a new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm. 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. Bruce will present a show from 10am to 1pm on Greatest Hits Radio, joining presenters including Simon Mayo at Drivetime and Jackie Brambles in the early evening. After a career spanning three decades at the broadcaster, he is leaving for pastures new in March. BBC Radio 2 - Tracks Of My Years Tracks Of My Years Home Episodes Ken Bruce talks to a special guest about their favourite records. ", "However I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio its time for a change. Its been a tremendously happy time for me: Ive made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues.. The segment was introduced to Bruces programme in 1998 and usually airs at around 10.30am each day. ", The star continued to say: "I'm obviously over the moon but it's the Ken Bruce show. After brief forays into late nights and early mornings, he returned to mid mornings at the start of 1992, where he has remained ever since. 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.. In a subsequent statement issued by Greatest Hits Radio, Bruce said Popmaster would feature in his new programme, which will begin on 3 April and will be on air from 10:00-13:00. 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. The broadcaster started working at the corporation in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland presenter. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. 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. Chris Evans 25/1. 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). BBC Radio 2 is the UKs most listened to radio station, with a weekly audience of 14.46 million (RAJAR Q3, 2022), and won Station Of The Year at the Music Week 2021 awards. Watch: Ken Bruce announces Radio 2 departure live on air. Owain Wyn Evans, who is taking over as the station's early breakfast host, described him as "a legend". They ain't going to get rid of Chris Evans anytime soon so Ken, just where he is works really well. The DJ has released a series of PopMaster books, and hosted numerous Eurovision, celebrity and live specials throughout the years. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The radio personality has not mentioned any details about his exit or leave from the show. Thanks for always being so lovely. So, why is Scott Mills on Radio 2 this week and where is Ken Bruce? 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. Im looking forward to getting started and to you joining me for my very first show. Ken Bruce announced his exit from the station in January saying he's off . Ken has also presented Radio 2s coverage of Eurovision since 1988, and has been a regular presenter of Sunday Night is Music Night. His departure comes after Steve Wright left after 23 years as afternoon host. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. +5 Numbers: Radio 2's. Bruce told listeners: "I'll reach the end of my current contract in March, and so at that point I will be moving on from Radio 2. pic.twitter.com/JMLuO9cXvp, BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) January 17, 2023. A Gannett Company. @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. 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. He will join Greatest Hits Radio in April. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Bruce joins a Radio 2 exodus which began with Chris Evanss departure for Virgin Radio in 2019 and now includes Vanessa Feltz, Simon Mayo, Paul OGrady, Craig Charles and Graham Norton. Ken Bruce is mid-mornings. Congratulations on a brilliant career.". A Radio 2 spokesperson said: Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and its always been known hes leaving in March. Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break.. 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. The broadcasters new Greatest Hits Radio show is due to begin on April 3, and will air between 10:00am-13:00pm GMT. He moved to mid-mornings in 1986 before periods on late nights and early mornings, and moved back to what would become his permanent slot in 1992. Read Ken's book, he says he much prefers doing morning radio. "However I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio it's time for a change. 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. Ken's departure was announced on his radio show in January as the BBC later tweeted: "We have some news After 31 years of presenting the 9:30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave. Ken Bruce has provided radio commentary for the live music show since . If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Ken Bruce has revealed the fate of his much-loved PopMaster quiz after announcing that hes departing BBC Radio 2. Bruce will be temporarily replaced by Gary Davies on BBC Radio 2 until Vernon Kay steps into the 9.30am slot in May. 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. "Ok, no pressure, crikey Zoe," Vernon joked. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Bruce, 72, announced that he will leave BBC Radio 2 when his current contract comes to an end in March. "I am absolutely over the moon, I really am.". Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. 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. 2023 BBC. 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.". To celebrate All Day PopMaster try our tricky quiz. ", Click to subscribe to Backstage wherever you get your podcasts. It's been a tremendously happy time for me: I've made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues. Leave him alone. But he has . In February, he then told his Twitter followers that, while he had intended to fulfil his contract to the end of March, the corporation had decided it wants me to leave earlier and his last show will be Friday 3 March. Bruce, 71, said "the time is right" for him to leave, announcing the news on Tuesday's show. predecessor Ken says he's been forced to leave the station early, Vanessa Feltz all smiles in sparkly dress during night out after split from Ben Ofeodu, Matt Hancock IGNORED Chris Whitty's advice to test people entering care homes for Covid at the start of pandemic, bombshell leaked messages claim, Great British Bake Off to undergo huge revamp after flurry of viewer complaints, Moment police swoop to arrest boyfriend on the run with his aristocratic lover for 54 days, GMB's Susanna Reid forced to change outfit after fears it was too 'racy' for morning TV, Phil Foden makes Pep Guardiola point as Man City crush Bristol City, Dozens dead and more injured as head-on horror smash between packed passenger and cargo trains 'pulverised' carriages sparking huge blaze with rescue bid under way, King 'throws Harry and Meghan out of Frogmore and offers keys to Andrew', Ed Sheeran reveals wife Cherry had 'inoperable' tumour during pregnancy, Teary GMB guest calls late dad 'lamb to slaughter' amid Matt Hancock Covid WhatsApp claims, Fears heighten for missing aristocrat's baby after freezing night as police search continues, BREAKING: Just Fontaine - striker who scored most goals in single World Cup - dies, Channel 4 'axes reality show' after just one series in the latest blow to programmes, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. His slot is the most. All available episodes Watch the best stripped-back live music from the Elton John piano. The broadcaster, 72, was due to leave his mid-morning weekday show after 31 years at the end of March. You dont think of any other DJ when you think of that slot- he's made it his own. Available now Nigel Harman chooses his Tracks of My Years 2:30:00 All available episodes (21. ", Lorna Clarke, head of production for Radio 2, said: "Ken is an extraordinary broadcaster with an exceptional career over many decades. The broadcaster will then present his first show on Greatest Hits Radio on Monday 3. We wish Ken all the best for the future.. Ken has been treated appallingly after his many years of service, one insider said. 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. He added that BBC had decided it wants me to leave earlier. I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. Greatest Hits Radio tweeted:. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Soundtrack Of My Life: Talking Heads Tina Weymouth, Creed III review: Michael B. Jordan gets another big win under his belt, Panic Shack: the wildest and funniest live band youll see all year, Final Fantasy 16 is a lavish RPG twist on Bayonetta and its all the better for it. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. The star explained it was the right time to move on and has made "many friends and. Ken Bruce shared the news he was quitting BBC Radio 2 after 31 years presenting his 9.30am to midday show. "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," he said. He added: 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. Early life and career [ edit] The networks presenters include Michael Ball, Zoe Ball, Rob Beckett, Tony Blackburn, OJ Borg, Rev. Giving him a week to say goodbye is generous., Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. The man has raised the bar so high.". HP10 9TY. Bruce said: I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio its time for a change. Matt Deegan, creative director of Folder Media, said: If Ken finished at Radio 2 on Friday and then started at Greatest Hits on Monday, it makes it very easy for listeners to switch across. He will be on air every weekday in the mid-morning slot, from 10am until 1pm. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. The much-loved veteran broadcaster will host a new daily show for Bauers station Greatest Hits Radio, taking his iconic PopMaster game with him. Bruce promised fans who abandon Radio 2 for his new GHR show that they would hear all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s.. I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday, he tweeted. Radio 2 will announce the host and details of a new mid-morning show at a later date. The BBC is yet to announce who will replace Bruce in mid mornings, but if previous examples are anything to go by his successor is likely to come from its existing crop of presenters. The beloved music quiz has been a staple of the DJ's show since 1998. The presenter, 72, has admitted that he was "a little surprised and disappointed" following the broadcaster's decision to cut his contract short. See you in April!. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Lets enjoy the week ahead!". His first regular slot on Radio 2 was the Saturday Late Show in 1984, and the following year he fronted the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, taking over from Terry Wogan. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. 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. Today 09:30. Listeners, who took to social media to express their shock at Bruces exit, have also rebelled against Radio 2s evolving music policy. Ken joined the BBC in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland staff presenter. 2021 Associated Newspapers Limited. On Friday, the BBC confirmed that Bruce would be replaced by Vernon Kay with the new host taking over in May. Bruce's current 9.30am to 12 noon programme, including the daily PopMaster quiz, is the most popular show on British radio with more than 8.5million listeners a week. The worlds defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking whats new and whats next since 1952. Going to be so missed on air, but personally Ill miss having a beer in a foreign country discussing anything and everything whilst at Eurovision. Were going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC.. 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. Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033. The news comes after theScottish broadcasting veteran Bruce confirmed that he would be stepping down from his mid-morning show for31 years. Bruce also told the Daily Mail newspaper: I was called in at 12.30 and told that my final show would be a week today and wasnt given any real reason that I understood. Announcing Bruces departure on 17 January, Radio 2 tweeted: We have some news After 31 years of presenting the 9.30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave. Bruce earned between 385,000-389,999 in 2021-22, according to the last BBC annual report. 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. Date of Ken Bruce's final day on Radio 2 and why he's leaving for Greatest Hits early 28 February, 2023 When presenter Steve Allen left LBC and his statement following immediate exit 28 February . 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. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Bruce has also been Radio 2's voice of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1988. Scott started his career at the age of 16 and joined BBC Radio One in 1998. I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2". Read about our approach to external linking. He has also fronted Radio 2s coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1988. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. The 67-year-old broadcaster spoke out following the news Bruce was leaving the BBC . BBC Radio 2 has seen a series of stars leaving the radio channel in the last two years including Paul O'Grady, Steve Wright, Craig Charles, Simon Mayo and Vanessa Feltz. And despite a big coverage announcement today, BBC Radio 2 tells us their commentator will be announced 'in due course'. He will remain at the station until the end of March, he said. Nigel Harman chooses his final Tracks of My Years . He's an absolute legend of broadcaster. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. "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. BBC) Ken Bruce is leaving Radio 2 at the end of this week ( Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston) Speaking with Zoe on Radio 2 this morning, Vernon gushed how excited he was to be joining the. Bruce, 71, said "the time is right" for him to leave, announcing the news on Tuesday's show.