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Insiders fear Radio 2 is seeking to lure 30-something mums who go clubbing in Ibiza from rival stations at the expense of older listeners. 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. Bruce will present his final 9.30am to midday show on March 3. contact the editor here. Bruce will be temporarily replaced by Gary Davies on BBC Radio 2 until Vernon Kay steps into the 9.30am slot in May. "I have decided the time is right for me to move on from Radio 2," he said, adding he'd had "a tremendously happy time" but it was "time for a change". 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 show's most recent weekly reach was 8.56m (RAJAR, Q3 2022). And this Spring, Radio 2 presents a stellar range of brilliant live music (including a Country extravaganza), world exclusive interviews and exciting new programming. 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 Bruces contract with BBC Radio 2 has been axed early in efforts to scupper promotion for his new show at Greatest Hits Radio, according to insiders. It can also be found on Freeview channel 716 and Sky channel 0151. 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. BBC broadcasting legend Ken Bruce is leaving Radio 2 after 31 years presenting his weekday mid-morning show. They are doing their best to scupper his chances on Greatest Hits., A second source claimed that BBC was trying to claw back control, adding: They missed the boat with renegotiating his contract and decided they needed to get back in the driving seat rather than have Ken leading the narrative., Dan Cocker, a radio producer who works for the BBC and commercial stations, tweeted: Greatest Hits are promoting their new asset as much as possible. The broadcaster, 71, confirmed on Tuesday (January 17) that he would be leaving the station in March to join Greatest Hits Radio. 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. @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. ", Lorna Clarke, head of production for Radio 2, said: "Ken is an extraordinary broadcaster with an exceptional career over many decades. We wish Ken all the best for the future.. His programme, well known for its daily Popmaster quiz, currently has more than 8.5 million weekly listeners, according to data from industry body Rajar. The programme runs from 9.30am until 12pm every weekday morning. See you in April!. 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.. He has also fronted Radio 2s coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1988. In January, Bruce announced he would leave the corporation after 45 years to host a show on commercial rival, Greatest Hits Radio. 2. The BBC wrote: Ken joined the BBC in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland staff presenter. 23/02/20 - 12:27 #30. He has also presented Radio 2's coverage of Eurovision since 1988. Bruce said: I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio its time for a change. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please The station already features in its presenting ranks the likes of Simon Mayo (who left Radio 2 in 2018), Martin Kemp, Jackie Brambles and Pat Sharp. Thank you for everything youve done and the smiles you gave Whiters and I on Countdown so many times Onto your next huge chapter.". ", The star continued to say: "I'm obviously over the moon but it's the Ken Bruce show. Any commercial network would have let him go immediately after announcing his intended departure. He has fronted his mid-morning show since 1992 where its most recent weekly reach totalled 8.56m people. Ken has also presented Radio 2's coverage of Eurovision since 1988, and has been a regular presenter of Sunday Night is Music Night. The worlds defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking whats new and whats next since 1952. Ken had taken over the Radio 2 breakfast show in January 1985 so this is from the start of his sixth week. Ken Bruce has confirmed his departure date from BBC Radio 2. Heres everything you need to know about when hes ending his 45-year tenure on the BBC, who could replace him and how to tune in to his new show. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric', The people who want you to believe the Ukraine war is fake, What we've learned from Alex Murdaugh murder trial. With Radio 2 inserting an additional three weeks, it does give the chance for some listeners to calm a little while Gary Davies takes over., A Radio 2 spokesperson told The Independent: Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and its always been known hes leaving in March. 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. But he has . 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. Read about our approach to external linking. You dont think of any other DJ when you think of that slot- he's made it his own. Album of the Week and Nigel Harman. In a statement afterwards, Ken said it was "time for a change". 02/11/14 - 13:43 #9. 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. Available now Nigel Harman 57:00 All available. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Ben Cooper, chief content and music officer at Bauer Audio UK, said: Ken Bruce is a broadcasting legend, with the biggest radio show in the UK, 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. "Ok, no pressure, crikey Zoe," Vernon joked. . Something went wrong, please try again later. "My mums like, Norman, give over. A Radio 2 spokesperson said: Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and its always been known hes leaving in March. HP10 9TY. On Friday, the BBC confirmed that Bruce would be replaced by Vernon Kay with the new host taking over in May. BBC Radio 2 - Tracks Of My Years Tracks Of My Years Home Episodes Ken Bruce talks to a special guest about their favourite records. RADIO 2 presenter Ken Bruce has pocketed a BBC pay increase of nearly 40 per cent amid claims that he was one of the corporation's star names who had faced investigation by the taxman.. Bruce . Fans of Wright say his successor, Scott Mills, is playing fewer hits from the 60s and 70s, in favour of more recent dance music. The 67-year-old broadcaster spoke out following the news Bruce was leaving the BBC . We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. Were going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC. 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. 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. The station's line-up already includes his former colleague Simon Mayo, who left Radio 2 in 2018. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. Vernon Kay enjoyed a telling chat with Zoe Ball on Radio 2 this morning, after being announced as Ken Bruce's replacement last week. 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.". pic.twitter.com/JMLuO9cXvp, BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) January 17, 2023. Ken Bruce is taking his millions of fans elsewhere to enjoy his music selections, humour and quizzes. DeSantis won't say he's running. Im looking forward to getting started and to you joining me for my very first show. Radio 2 recognise Ken is now a Greatest Hits brand and every extra moment hes in a BBC studio is free advertising for his new gig., He added: Its an unworkable position for Radio 2. John Motson, legendary BBC football commentator, dies aged 77, BBC India offices raided by tax officials in New Delhi and Mumbai, BBC chairman Richard Sharp retains support of Rishi Sunak despite Boris Johnson loan row, "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. SouthCity Posts: 10,482. The broadcaster, 71, will present a show from 10am to 1pm on the Bauer radio station, alongside presenters including Simon Mayo at Drivetime and Jackie Brambles in the early evening. "I would stress that this is entirely my decision . Matt Deegan, creative director of Folder Media, said: "If Ken finished at . The veteran presenter, 72, has been on the BBC station since 1984, but told listeners in January: Ive done everything it is possible to do at Radio 2.. In a statement on Twitter, the broadcaster said: "I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. Ken Bruce has provided radio commentary for the live music show since . 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. It's been a tremendously happy time for me: I've made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues. Thank you for the countless joys of your wonderful show, and long may they continue in your new home. VideoRescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. 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. Bruce will be temporarily replaced by Gary Davies on BBC Radio 2 until Vernon Kay steps into the 9.30am slot in May. 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.