Ken Bruce lays into BBC over 'lack of support' despite securing 'biggest' show
Legendary radio host Ken Bruce has slammed the BBC for failing to support their stars.
The 73-year-old presenter enjoyed a long career at the Corporation, hosting a weekday mid-morning show on BBC Radio 2 from 1986 until 2023. He left the station a year ago only to be replaced by Vernon Kay, 49, who now presents on the radio station - but has lost a reported 1.3 million listeners.
Ken has claimed that his own show was the “biggest” on the station - but claims he was undermined by the BBC. He has hinted that he thinks the BBC failed to support or promote his show - and he says he is confused by this. He has since moved on to work on Bauer's Greatest Hits Radio which he says he is settling in nicely too. And he has also opened up about the recent death of fellow BBC Radio 2 host Steve Wright - who passed away at the age of 69.
Ken was a close friend of late fellow former Radio 2 host Steve Wright (BBC)Speaking to the Telegraph, Ken said: “I didn’t want any hoo-ha, so when my show became the biggest show on radio, I didn’t want to say anything about it but I kind of thought the BBC should. I wasn’t expecting to be carried on a litter with people strewing palms in front of me, but I thought, surely that’s worth a mention? As far as I’m aware, it wasn’t mentioned by the BBC at all. Ever.”
Discussing his new gig on Greatest Hits Radio, he said: “Every so often you need a bit of a change in life and, so far, so good. I’ve really felt at home since pretty much day one.”
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And reflecting on his friendship with Steve - who was abruptly axed by the BBC for his own radio show - he said: “Above all, Steve was a realist. Nobody likes to be taken off a show… but it’s something we all have as a possibility at the back of our minds. Nothing is forever.”
Ken and Steve had planned to meet for a catch-up soon before the shock death. Paying tribute to Steve, Ken wrote on X: "Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio."
Steve’s death was announced by his family last month. They explained: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard.
"Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time."
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