Bob Harris breaks silence on BBC Radio 2 exit with emotional statement
Veteran broadcaster Bob Harris, who stepped down from his position at BBC Radio 2 after more than 50 years on air due to ill health, has thanked fans for their support
Bob Harris has thanked fans for their support after stepping down from Radio 2 (Image: Instagram)
Bob Harris has thanked fans for their support as he spoke out after announcing he was quitting BBC Radio after decades with the corporation. The radio veteran, 80, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and in April he revealed it had spread to his upper spine so made one of the “hardest decisions of [his] life” and chose to step down from the broadcaster after a career that had spanned more than 50 years.
Now, the radio star has spoken out on camera for the first time and became emotional as he acknowledged the love and support from his family and his fans alike.
He said: “Hey folks, it’s Bob here. And I’ve just hopped on to say a really heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful messages you’ve been sending me.
The veteran broadcaster began his radio career in 1970
“I really don’t know even quite what to say, I’ve been overwhelmed by the love that’s come in over the last three days since I put out the announcement I’m going to be leaving Radio 2.
“Radio 2 have been incredible as well. I want to give a special shout out to my family who have rallied around me over these past few weeks and my wife Trudie [Trudie Myerscough-Harris] here at my house and it’s just been an incredible moment where I can just stop, be still for a moment and take in the world around me.
“I have found there’s so much love in that world and I just want to say thank you very much for all the messages and everything that you’ve been sending my way I appreciate it more than you will ever know Thank you very much and lots of love from me here”.
Bob found fame as a host on chart show The Old Grey Whistle Test, where be became known as Whispering Bob(Image: BBC)
When he first announced the news that he would be stepping down, Bob looked back on his mammoth radio career, which had seen him front the Radio 2 Country Show and Sounds Of The 70s amongst others, before ultimately thanking the listeners who had stayed with him.
He said: ““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.
“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.”
