Another BBC Radio 2 shock as Ken Bruce announces move to Greatest Hits Radio
It was only a couple of weeks ago the Express reported that “Ken Bruce says he’ll never leave his mid-morning show unless he’s fired”, but it seems that has now changed.
At the end of his BBC Radio 2 show today Ken announced that he’s leaving at the end of his current contract and the decision was entirely his.
He told his Radio 2 listeners: “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.”
We have some news…
After 31 years of presenting the 9:30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave.
We’re going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/JMLuO9cXvp
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) January 17, 2023
A few minutes after Ken revealed his departure on air, Greatest Hits Radio put out a tweet saying: “We’ve been keeping a big secret … We are delighted to announce that legendary broadcaster @RealKenBruce will be joining the Greatest Hits Radio family in April.”
Ken’s new show will run weekdays 10am – 1pm replacing Mark Goodier. A Bauer spokesperson told OnTheRadio: “We’ll be sharing news about what’s next for Mark soon.”
Speaking about his big radio news, Ken Bruce 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. I’m looking forward to getting started and to you joining me for my very first show. See you in April!”
We’ve been keeping a big secret … We are delighted to announce that legendary broadcaster @RealKenBruce will be joining the Greatest Hits Radio family in April. pic.twitter.com/Wpjj9uIXH9
— Greatest Hits Radio (@greatesthitsuk) January 17, 2023
Ken joined the BBC in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland staff presenter. 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.
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.
Radio 2 will announce the host and details of the new mid-morning show at a later date – the speculation has already started!!