BBC Radio 2 icon Bob Harris has confirmed the devastating news that he is stepping down from presenting following a career that has lasted for over 55 years.
The star, who recently confirmed that his prostate cancer had metastasised into his upper spine, announced on Thursday that he had taken "one of the hardest decisions of my life".
In a lengthy statement, the 80-year-old said: "It's incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much. I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I'm grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.
"Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station. I am so proud that The Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling Country to become the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds of the 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life.
"But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I've ever done, and it's all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say."
He concluded by saying: "I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again. This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100%. I am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening."
© BBC/Sarah Louise BennettBob's first break was when he presented The Old Grey Whistle Test on BBC2, with his delivery style and vocal tones earning him the moniker of 'Whispering Bob'. The sound of his voice made him the ideal fit for the radio, and in 1981, he appeared on BBC Radio Oxford, where he presented the weekday afternoon show.
The star later started presenting a show on BBC Radio 1 in 1990, initially hosting a midnight show on the station. He stayed there until 1993, when the show was cancelled, although he remained with the network, presenting the occasional documentary.
© Alamy Stock PhotoHe returned to BBC Radio 2 in 1997, where he has remained ever since, presenting various major shows, including Sounds of the 70s and The Country Show. He briefly took a break in 2019 when he underwent an aortic dissection.
The BBC has confirmed that Shaun Keaveny will now present Sounds of the 70s, while Darius Rucker will continue hosting The Radio 2 Country Show in the interim period.
Bob's health
Back in April, Bob confirmed the spread of his cancer as he shared a photo of himself smiling in the sunshine while propping himself up with a walking stick.
In a lengthy caption, he penned: "I'm sorry it's been so long since I last posted but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time. When I posted last time from hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back.
© Instagram"Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine…really frightening news. So, I immediately began a course of radiotherapy – two weeks in hospital in total – to bring things back under control. Thankfully I'm back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day."
He continued: "I have started a programme of rehab and today I got out into this glorious weather for the first time with my son @expiredfilmclub, who took the photograph. My family has been here for me in a massive way, helping me through one of the most difficult times of my life. I can't even begin to think of a way to say thank you. I love them so much."
