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Credit: BBC Press Office<\/p>\n
Thu 4 June 2026 11:03, UK <\/p>\n
BBC Radio 2 <\/a>legend Bob Harris has confirmed his exit from the radio station after 30 years due to ill health.<\/p>\n Harris, who formerly hosted The Old Grey Whistle Test<\/a>, joined BBC Radio 2 in 1996 and currently hosts Radio 2 Country on Thursday evenings, as well as Sounds of the \u201970s on Sunday afternoons.<\/p>\n However, Harris, who recently sadly confirmed that his prostate cancer had spread to his spine, is now leaving broadcasting after 56 years in the industry amid his ongoing health struggles.<\/p>\n In an emotional statement, Harris reflected, \u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019m grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.\u201d<\/p>\n The veteran broadcaster continued, \u201cMost 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.\u201d<\/p>\n He also thanked those who have enjoyed him along the way, adding, \u201cBut more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I\u2019ve ever done, and it\u2019s all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.\u201d<\/p>\n Harris then acknowledged the circumstances of his exit, poignantly sharing, \u201cI 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%.\u201d<\/p>\n The radio icon concluded, \u201cI am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2<\/a>, described Harris as \u201ca true radio legend\u201d, as well as paying her respects to him as \u201ca trusted and respected tastemaker\u201d.<\/p>\n On behalf of the station, Thomas added, \u201cEveryone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support.\u201d<\/p>\n
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