Radio legend Ken Bruce speaks of 'disappointment' as BBC forces him out after 45 years

Ken Bruce has hit out at the BBC after the corporation forced him out earlier than he had planned.

Last month, the legendary radio host announced that he was leaving the BBC, revealing that he was moving to Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio later in the year.

From April he will present a mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm.

Bruce had presented the Radio 2 mid-morning show for 31 years.

Ken Bruce shared the news on Twitter.
Twitter: Ken Bruce

Before that, he was a BBC Radio Scotland presenter when he first joined the corporation in 1977.

Taking to Twitter, Bruce explained that he had been made to leave the BBC earlier than planned.

He said: “I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday.

“I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let’s enjoy the week ahead!”

Elsewhere, he spoke of his disappointment at being taken off air earlier the expected.

“I was called in at 12.30 and told that my final show would be a week today and wasn't given any real reason that I understood”, he told the Dail Mail

“I’m a little surprised and disappointed.”

GB News’ regular contributor and radio broadcaster Liz Kershaw shared her outrage at the news.

She replied: “What a thoroughly shabby way to treat someone after over 30 years of service.”

A Radio 2 spokesperson said: “Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s 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.

“We wish Ken all the best for the future.”

Ken Bruce had been a presenter with the BBC for 45 years.
Yui Mok

Vernon Kay was announced as Bruce’s replacement earlier this week.

Reacting, Kay said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone to present the mid-morning show on Radio 2, and what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce.

“I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel I’ve got to know over the last 18 months.

“It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start.”