Veteran broadcaster Bob Harris has announced he is stepping down from BBC Radio 2 after three decades, citing health issues and the need to focus on his recovery. The 80-year-old host of The Country Show and Sounds of the 70s, affectionately known as "Whispering" Bob Harris, described the decision as "one of the hardest of my entire life."
A Difficult Decision Amid Health Struggles
Six weeks after revealing that his prostate cancer had spread to his upper spine, Harris confirmed he would be leaving his long-standing radio shows. In April, he took a break from presenting and spent two weeks in hospital undergoing radiotherapy after experiencing "excruciating pain" in his back. He was first treated for prostate cancer in 2007.
In an emotional message shared on BBC Radio 2's Instagram account on Thursday morning, Harris expressed his gratitude to fans. "I put everything I have into every show I've ever done, and it's all been because of you. I feel so blessed to have had your support across so many years. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say," he wrote.
Apologising to Listeners
Harris apologised for being unable to continue. "I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate now on getting myself well again. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my entire life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I'm unable to give you 100%. I'm really going to miss you. I love you very, very much. Thank you for listening."
Harris, a self-described "massive BBC loyalist," has also had roles on Radio 1, 6 Music, and BBC television, including his celebrated tenure on the award-winning music show The Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s. A passionate advocate for country, folk, Americana, and singer-songwriters, he expressed deep gratitude for the creative freedom the BBC afforded him.
A Career Spanning Nearly 56 Years
His broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years, and he said he had "loved every moment" he spent behind the microphone. "It's where I belong. I'm very, very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much," he added.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, paid tribute to Harris, calling him "a true radio legend." She said: "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."
Final Shows and Successor Announced
Harris presented his last episode of Sounds of the 70s on 8 March, and his final Country Show on 2 April. Shaun Keaveny will officially take over as host of Sounds of the 70s each Sunday from 3pm to 5pm, after deputising in the slot, in addition to hosting the Rock Show on Friday nights. Keaveny said: "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."
