RADIO 2 legend Ken Bruce is quitting the station after 31 years.
The much-loved Scotsman, 71, whose PopMaster quiz is a show staple, is swapping the Beeb for Greatest Hits Radio in a shock move.
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Announcing his departure in a statement today, Ken insisted it was his decision.
He said: “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. 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. 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.”
The departure follows the exit of another long-running station icon: Steve Wright.
Ken isn’t sailing off into retirement just yet, instead he’s launching a brand new show and is taking his beloved PopMaster with him.
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The daily quiz lets viewers flex their music knowledge as they answer a series of questions dating from the beginnings of pop music to the current chart.
Of his new gig, Ken said: “What better way to celebrate my forty-five years in radio than with a new adventure and a brand-new show on Greatest Hits Radio. 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!”
Ken began his broadcasting career 45 years ago in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland staff presenter.
After eight years honing his craft, including a year on Radio 2’s Saturday Late Show, he moved into the station’s biggest slot, taking over Terry Wogan’s Breakfast Show.
But he’s best know for his mid-morning programme, which he has hosted since 1992 and features Tracks of my Years and The Piano Room – a stripped back version of Radio 1’s Live Lounge.
Radio 2 will announce the host and details of the new mid-morning show at a later date.
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