Bob Harris steps down from BBC Radio 2 shows after illness

Legendary broadcaster Bob Harris has announced he is leaving his Radio 2 programmes due to ill health.

The presenter is stepping down from Sounds of the 70s and Radio 2 Country after a broadcasting career spanning almost 56 years. He said the decision was one of the hardest of his life but that he needed to focus on getting well again.

In a message to listeners, Bob thanked audiences for their support throughout his career and said their loyalty had meant more to him than words could express.

He said: “I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100%.”

Bob described Radio 2 as his “fabulous family” and said hosting Sounds of the 70s had made his time at the station the most special period of his life.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, paid tribute to his contribution to the station and the wider music industry.

She said Bob had become a trusted and respected tastemaker through Radio 2 Country and had filled Sounds of the 70s with stories, warmth and humour. She added that he was adored by both colleagues and listeners.

Bob joined Radio 2 in 1996 and became one of the station’s most recognisable voices. Alongside his work on specialist music programmes, he built a reputation for championing emerging artists and introducing audiences to country, folk, Americana and singer songwriters.

His influence stretched beyond radio. During the 1970s he became a familiar television face through The Old Grey Whistle Test, interviewing major artists including John Lennon and David Bowie. He also helped launch the listings magazine Time Out and enjoyed successful spells on Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music.

In April this year, Radio 2 celebrated Bob’s 80th birthday with the special programme Bob Harris at 80: A Life in Music. The show reflected on the milestones, achievements and challenges that shaped his remarkable career.

Bob’s final edition of Sounds of the 70s aired on 8 March, while his last Radio 2 Country Show was broadcast on 2 April.

Shaun Keaveny will now officially take over Sounds of the 70s on Sunday afternoons following a period of deputising on the programme. He said continuing Bob’s work was both an honour and a mission, thanking him for inspiring generations of music fans and broadcasters.

Darius Rucker will continue to host Radio 2 Country on Thursdays from 9pm to 10pm while the station considers longer-term plans for the programme.

Radio 2 has also announced a refresh of its Saturday night schedule, with a stronger focus on its popular decade-themed music shows.

From the schedule change, Gary Davies’ Sounds of the 80s will move to an earlier slot, airing from 6pm until 8pm. Fearne Cotton’s Sounds of the 90s will follow from 8pm until 10pm.

Vernon Kay will then present Dance Sounds of the 90s from 10pm. Dermot O’Leary will continue with his Saturday Breakfast Show and will also remain at the helm of Alternative Sounds of the 90s from 11pm until midnight.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said the revamped line-up would ensure Saturday nights remained “the UK’s most popular Saturday night in”, with a soundtrack featuring some of the biggest hits and best-loved tracks from the 1980s and 1990s.