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 in an emotional video message. The 80-year-old radio legend was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, and in April he revealed it had spread to his upper spine, leading him to make one of the "hardest decisions of [his] life" and leave the broadcaster.
Now, Harris has spoken out on camera for the first time since the announcement, becoming visibly emotional as he acknowledged the love and support from his family and fans alike. In the video, 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."
He continued: "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 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."
He added: "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."
A Legendary Career
Harris began his radio career in 1970 and became a household name as a host on the iconic chart show The Old Grey Whistle Test, where he earned the nickname "Whispering Bob." Over the decades, he fronted numerous programmes on BBC Radio 2, including the Country Show and Sounds of the 70s.
When he first announced his departure, Harris reflected on his mammoth career, thanking listeners for their unwavering loyalty. 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."
He added: "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."
Outpouring of Support
Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with messages of support for the broadcasting legend. Many have praised his contributions to music and radio, while others have sent their best wishes for his recovery. Harris's emotional video has been widely shared, with viewers expressing admiration for his courage and grace.
The BBC has also released a statement thanking Harris for his decades of service and wishing him well in his health battle. His departure marks the end of an era for Radio 2, but his legacy as one of the UK's most beloved broadcasters remains firmly intact.
