Bob Harris leaves BBC Radio 2 as cancer spreads
On Thursday (04.06.26), Bob Harris announced he has left BBC Radio 2 - over a month after he told fans that his cancer had spread from his prostate to his upper spine.
Bob Harris has quit BBC Radio 2 as his cancer spreads.
The 80-year-old legendary presenter announced in 2007 that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which, at the time, was being managed with treatment, but on April 23, he told fans the "really frightening news" that the disease had spread from his prostate to his upper spine.
And on Thursday (04.06.26), Bob - who “immediately” underwent a course of radiotherapy to “bring things back under control” - confirmed he will no longer front Radio 2 Country and Sounds of the 70s.
In a statement, the star said: "It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years.
"I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much. I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I’m grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.
"Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2, and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station.
"I am so proud that The Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling Country to become the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds of the 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life.
"But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I’ve ever done, and it’s all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.
"I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100 per cent.
"I am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening."
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, thanked the "true radio legend" for his work on the station.
She added: "Bob has hosted The Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity.
"Since taking the reins of Sounds of the 70s, he has filled the show with love, laughter and captivating stories of being at the heart of the music scene throughout the decade.
"Bob is adored by the Radio 2 family and his listeners, and we are all going to miss him and his weekly shows very much. Everyone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support.”
Bob - who joined Radio 2 in 1996 - presented his last episode of Sounds of the 70s on March 8, and his last Radio 2 Country Show on April 2.
Shaun Keaveny, 53, will take over as host of Sounds of the 70s each Sunday (3-5pm), in addition to hosting the Radio 2 Rock Show (Fridays 11pm-midnight) after deputising in the Sounds of the 70s slot and various other shows on Radio 2 during the past year.
He said: "As long as I can remember, I’ve loved the music of the 70s. My mum reckons Rocket Man was all over the radio when I was born in 72…guess who was playing that on the original Sounds of the 70s at that time…??
"It was the thrill of my life to meet Bob, the man who has done more to maintain the spirit of Rock, Roll and Radio than almost anyone. I consider it not just an honour but a mission to continue Bob’s work of showing the world the greatness of the music of that special decade.
"Somewhere, every week, some kid hears Won’t Get Fooled Again for the first time! You did that for me, Bob, and millions like me. We’d like to say Thank You For the Music, you’ll always be our Rock n Roll Doctor.”
Helen said: "Shaun has been warmly embraced by the community of music lovers who relish Sounds of the 70s each week during his time deputising in the slot. I’m looking forward to him officially taking the reins and putting his unique take on such a classic decade.”
And Darius Rucker, 60, will continue to host The Radio 2 Country Show (Thursdays 9-10pm) in the interim.
