Ken Bruce and his PopMaster quiz radio show on BBC Radio Two have kept many listeners company every weekday morning. Throughout health pandemics, a cost of living crisis and everyday life Ken has always been there for many listeners, and so his fans were emotional during his final show on Friday, March 3 which saw him make his exit speech and play his last song.
The 72-year-old is leaving BBC Radio Two after more than 31 years of presenting the mid-morning show, although he has worked at the BBC since 1978. Ken announced he was leaving the show back in January, telling listeners it was "time for a change".
He said: "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." The radio presenter will be moving to Greatest Hits Radio, which he will join on Monday, April 3.
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His departure has not come without its drama, however, as the presenter recently claimed the BBC wanted him to leave earlier than planned. He said: In a Twitter statement shared on Friday, February 24, Ken said: "I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let's enjoy the week ahead!"
In response to Ken's statement, a BBC spokesperson told WalesOnline: "Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it's always been known he’s leaving in March. 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." You can read more on this here.
And following his final show, listeners were left emotional at Ken's goodbye. Here's everything you need to know as the broadcaster leaves the BBC.
What did Ken Bruce say in his final goodbye speech?
Ending the show with a short speech Ken thanked his listeners, the people who help make his show and the BBC, saying "apart from the occasional vagary it is still the finest broadcasting organisation in the world".
Not wanting to make a big speech, Ken said: "I do really just want to say thank you to everybody who has contributed in any way, in any small way, to this programme, particularly the listeners. I really couldn't do it without the listeners who contribute and completed the dialogue! We talk to each other on a daily basis and I hope we meet sometime in the future, we may be able to continue doing that."
"Thank you, particularly to the members of the Ken Bruce preservation society who sent in a lovely bottle of a certain Irish cream liquor, which I did think about drinking after song nine of the show today but I thought I better just wait until now, that is very very kind of you. Thanks to all who have sent any kind of message of congratulations or good riddance!"
"And I would just like to say thank you, particularly to Phil McGarby and Jeanine Mayer-Smith, they are the only two in the production team, what a fabulous pair they have been. And to the BBC I have been here for a long time and apart from the occasional vagary it is still the finest broadcasting organisation in the world."
What was Ken Bruce's final PopMaster song?
To finish his final ever PopMaster show, Ken played a Beatles medley of Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End. To introduce the song, he said: "I thought about this song to finish and one that comes to an end, I thought might be The End."
What was the listener's reaction to Ken Bruce's final show?
Many listeners were emotional and upset to see Ken go. One said: "Ken Bruce, Golden Slumbers. Not a dry eye. Quality. Good luck! Thank you! @BBCRadio2".
Another added: "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End of Ken Bruce on Radio 2. Got something in my eye... #popmaster" and: "Not Ken Bruce making me cry by playing Golden Slumbers. An absolute dream of a presenter. BBC2 done f**ked up letting him go. #KenBruce".
A fourth said: "Golden Slumbers to play Ken Bruce out and I’m in floods. Thanks for everything Big Man. #KenBruce" and: "In bits listening to Ken Bruce’s last show, mornings in the ambulance will never be the same again @BBCRadio2" followed by a broken heart emoji.
Who is replacing Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2?
BBC Radio 2 announced Vernon Kay would replace Keb Bruce. In a statement last month, 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. It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start." You can read more on this here.
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