BBC Radio 2 legend Bob Harris releases sad statement as he retires due to ill health

Bob Harris, an icon of the BBC Radio 2 airwaves, has announced he is retiring after recent health struggles.

Earlier this year, the 80-year-old presenter confirmed his cancer had spread to his spine, almost 20 years after his initial diagnosis.

In April, he revealed he had begun a course of radiotherapy, meaning he was in hospital for two weeks to bring it ‘back under control’.

Now he’s shared he will step down from his roles at Radio 2 Country and Sounds of the 70s to focus on ‘getting well again’.

In a statement, Bob 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.’

He continued: ‘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.’

Bob previously withdrew from the airwaves in 2019 after tearing his aorta – known as an aortic dissection – in an ‘extremely serious’ health crisis.

Then, in January 2022, he joined Sounds of the 70s but took over as official host two years later when Jonnie Walker retired.

The radio legend apologised to listeners, saying he was ‘so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down’.

‘I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again,’ Bob shared. ‘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.’

In response to the announcement, fellow radio stars and musicians sent their love to Bob and shared how much of an inspiration he has been.

Rylan wrote: ‘We adore you Bob and thank you for always being the loveliest person. Sending you all the love ❤️ x.’

‘The very very best,’ said Chris Stark. ‘You are a hero, look at what you’ve achieved in radio. You are an inspiration to many. Sending all our love, from my family and I.’

Nish Kumar branded him an ‘absolute hero’, while Kathleen Edwards called it a ‘sad day’ but thanked him for supporting her music.

Squeeze’s Chris Difford shared: ‘The sun came out as I listened to Bob on this post, what a humble, beautiful man he is who inspired me as a writer in so many ways as a young lad….thank you, Bob.’

Bob has been a regular voice on the BBC for years, working across various radio shows, including 6 Music and The Old Grey Whistle Test, as well as Boom Radio.

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: ‘I would like to say a sincere thank you to Bob, a true radio legend, for many years of very special shows on Radio 2.

‘Bob has hosted The Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity.

‘Since taking the reins of Sounds of the 70s, he has 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.

‘Everyone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support.’

In the late 60s, Bob helped found Time Out magazine before becoming known for the award-winning show The Old Grey Whistle Test, which he hosted from 1972 until 1979.

For his 80th birthday, the BBC put on a celebratory special programme – Bob Harris at 80: A Life in Music – which looked back at his career and was hosted by Zoe Ball.

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