Bob Harris, the iconic BBC Radio 2 presenter, has announced his departure from both Radio 2 Country and Sounds of the 70s following a deterioration in his health.
The 80-year-old broadcaster, who has been a fixture on British airwaves for nearly 56 years, revealed earlier this year that his prostate cancer had spread to his upper spine.
Mr Harris described the discovery as “really frightening news” after being admitted to hospital with excruciating back pain.
Multiple scans confirmed the cancer had reached his upper spine, prompting an immediate course of radiotherapy that kept him hospitalised for a fortnight.
His final Sounds of the 70s aired on March 8, with his last Radio 2 Country Show broadcast on April 2. The veteran DJ says he must now prioritise his recovery.
In an emotional statement, Mr Harris reflected on his extraordinary career with deep gratitude.
“It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years,” he said. “I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much.”
The presenter, who describes himself as “a massive BBC loyalist,” expressed particular pride in his time at Radio 2. He credited The Radio 2 Country Show with helping propel country music to become Britain’s fastest-growing genre.
“But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners,” Mr Harris added. “Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.”
He acknowledged that stepping away represented “one of the hardest decisions of my life” but stressed he could never present programmes without giving his full commitment.
Mr Harris’s health struggles became public in April when he announced he was taking a short break from his programmes for hospital treatment.
At the time, he told listeners via Instagram that he periodically experiences setbacks requiring medical attention.
“As many of you know, I suffer from prostate cancer, and every now and again I experience setbacks that need attention. Now is one of these moments,” he wrote.
The presenter was admitted to the hospital after developing severe back pain, with subsequent scans revealing the cancer had migrated to his upper spine.
He underwent two weeks of radiotherapy before returning home to begin rehabilitation. Mr Harris had initially hoped to resume his programmes in May, describing the ordeal as “an extremely testing time” and “one of the most difficult times of my life.”
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, paid tribute to Mr Harris as “a true radio legend” who had delivered “many years of very special shows” on the station.
She highlighted his quarter-century presenting The Radio 2 Country Show, during which he became “a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity.”
Ms Thomas also praised his stewardship of Sounds of the 70s, noting he had “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,” she said. “Everyone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support.”
Shaun Keaveny has been confirmed as the permanent host of Sounds of the 70s, broadcasting every Sunday from 3pm to 5pm. He had been standing in during Mr Harris’s absence and also presents the Radio 2 Rock Show on Friday nights.
Mr Keaveny spoke warmly of his predecessor, calling it “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.”
He described taking over the programme as both “an honour” and “a mission” to continue showcasing the music of that era.
“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,” Mr Keaveny added.
Darius Rucker will remain at the helm of The Radio 2 Country Show on an interim basis.