Broadcaster Ken Bruce has announced he’s stepping down from Radio 2 after over three decades with the station.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the iconic radio presenter had made the decision to leave his mid-morning show.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
Ken’s departure comes amid something of a mass exodus at Radio 2, with Steve Wright, Paul O’Grady, Vanessa Feltz and Craig Charles among those to have said farewell to either their show or the station in general in the last year.
Radio 2 has said it will announce the host and details of the new mid-morning show at a later date.
Following the announcement, it was revealed that Ken will be presenting a new show on Greatest Hits Radio beginning in the spring.
“What better way to celebrate my 45 years in radio than with a new adventure and a brand-new show on Greatest Hits Radio?” he enthused.
Confirming that his hugely popular PopMaster segment would be moving with him, he added: “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!”