03 March 2023 , 08:56
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Ken Bruce has said his early exit from Radio 2 “seems a shame” after spending more than 30 years working at the BBC.
The 72-year-old DJ will host his final show today (March 3) instead of at the end of the month when his contract was due to end.
He admitted he was “a little surprised and disappointed” to discover he was being taken off the air early.
In an interview with Radio 4’s Today programme, Ken said: “It’s entirely within the BBC’s right to ask me to step away a little early.
“But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining (on my contract), it seems a shame.”
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The veteran broadcaster continued: “My belief is that, when I’m given a contract, I work to it and complete it.
“Over the last 46 years I haven’t had very much time off. I’ve attempted to turn up whenever I’m required to turn up. So my natural feeling as a broadcaster is I’ve got 17 days to do, I want to do them.”
Ken announced he would be leaving Radio 2 in January, becoming the latest big name star to part ways with the station.
He follows in the footsteps of Paul O’Grady, Graham Norton, Chris Evans, Craig Charles and Vanessa Feltz in what has been described as a ‘legends exodus’.
The DJ is not retiring though – he is moving to rival station Greatest Hits Radio to present a new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm.
And he will be taking his long-running and much-loved quiz PopMaster with him.
Prior to his departure, Ken said he would “always be proud” of his association with the BBC and Radio 2, but wanted to continue his career “in a slightly different way in the next few years”.
He was due to work until the end of the month, but the BBC cut his contract short (Getty Images)Addressing his show being brought to an end early, he claimed he “wasn’t given any real reason that I understood” for the change.
In a statement the BBC said: “Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it’s always been known he’s leaving in March.
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“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."
Vernon Kay - who is married to Strictly's Tess Daly - has been announced as Ken's replacement (Getty Images)Vernon Kay has since been revealed as Ken’s replacement, but his start date has yet to be announced.
Gary Davies, host of Radio 2’s Sounds Of The 80s, will present the mid-morning show until Vernon takes the helm.
Vernon 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.”