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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock

Why is Ken Bruce leaving Radio 2? Future of PopMaster explained as host quits for rival

Ken Bruce shocked long-time fans after he announced his departure from his BBC Radio 2 weekday morning show after 31 years.

He will present his final show at the end of March before moving to rival station Greatest Hits Radio days later.

Sharing the news, he said: "After 45 years of broadcasting on BBC Radio it's time for a change.

"I would stress that this is entirely my decision. I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2".

BBC Radio 2 also bid him farewell and tweeted: "We have some news… After 31 years of presenting the 9:30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave.

"We’re going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC."

But why is the star leaving BBC Radio 2 after so long?

Why is Ken leaving?

The 71-year-old said he is departing the radio channel as it's 'time for a change'.

He also tweeted that it was 'entirely his decision' to move on to new things.

Ken will take over from Mark Goodier in the 10am until 1pm weekday slot, with his new gig starting in April.

The radio DJ said of his new role: "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!"

What happens to PopMaster?

PopMaster will be moving with him (EMPICS Entertainment)

When moving to Greatest Hits Radio, he will be taking his long-running quiz PopMaster with him.

It is a popular music quiz on the Ken Bruce Show on BBC Radio 2 that has aired on weekday mornings since 1998.

The quiz questions were initially created by radio producer Phil Swern but are now written by Neil Myners and Simon Bray.

Two players competed against each other to win Bluetooth headphones or a smart speaker.

Fans of the quiz don't need to worry as they'll still get to play along.

Ben Cooper, Chief Content & Music Officer, Bauer Audio UK said: "Ken Bruce is a broadcasting legend, with the biggest radio show in the UK, so as well as today being an exciting announcement for Greatest Hits Radio and its growing audience, it is a hugely significant moment for the industry.

"What a fantastic start to a great year of increased ambition and innovation for Bauer Media Audio."

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