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Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Megan Nisbet

Ken Bruce says he should have left BBC Radio 2 sooner as he discusses 'disappointing' exit

Ken Bruce has opened up about his BBC Radio 2 exit. The 72-year-old left his morning radio show after 31 years on Friday, March 3, and swiftly started his new job at Greatest Hits Radio.

The presenter announced he was leaving the show back in January, telling listeners it was "time for a change". However, his departure was not without drama as the presenter later claimed the BBC wanted him to leave earlier than planned.

And now Ken has opened up further. The host was a guest on Alan Titchmarsh's Love Your Weekend on Sunday, April 16. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.

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According to The Mirror, he said on the show: "The new job has started and I'm really enjoying it. If I look back, I think I stayed too long there (the BBC). That's the over-riding feeling I have.

"Maybe I should have done this sooner, as it does refresh and re-energise you. I am feeling like this is a new chapter, I'm trying to climb again, not decline."

He added: "I'm sorry to be leaving Radio 2 but I had been there a long time. Sometimes you feel it is time to move. I wanted to try something else while I am young and alive enough!"

He was asked by Alan if he was satisfied with how his exit was handled, to which Ken responded: "These things are never as tidy as you want. By and large it was OK, but towards the end there was this little dispute about finishing dates. It was disappointing but it has passed now, it doesn't matter. The new job has started."

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 at the time: "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.

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