In an announcement BBC confirms that Ken Bruce will be replaced by Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2. Scottish broadcasting veteran Ken Bruce who has been presenting the mid-morning shows since the last 31 years will now finally be replaced by the most popular and talented TV presenter Vernon Kay from May 2023. As per the reports given on Friday by BBC, Bruce will be presenting his final show on 3rd March 2023 at 9:30 am to Mid-Day show.
The head of BBC Radio 2, Ms. Helen Thomas says, “Radio 2 is home to some of the UK’s best-loved presenters, and I’m thrilled to welcome Vernon to mid-mornings on Radio 2. He’s a hugely talented, warm and witty host who has already proved himself to be a firm favorite with our listeners when he’s presented many and varied shows across the station.” She added,” I can’t wait to hear his brilliant new show.”
Until Kay takes over the charge in May, Gary Davies, host of the station’s Sounds Of The 80s, will be presenting the mid-morning show from March 6.
Ken Bruce’s Contribution towards BBC Radio:
- In 1977, Bruce got associated for the first time with BBC Radio Scotland as a presenter.
- Later in 1984, he began with his regular slot of Saturday late show on Radio 2
- Next in 1985, he took over Sir Terry Wogan and presented the Breakfast Show on radio 2
- In 1986, he got the Mid-Morning show
- After trying his hands on late nights and early mornings shows, in 1992, he returned back to Mid-Morning shows
- Since 1988, he has been a consistent presenter of Sunday Night Is Music Night for Radio 2’s coverage of Eurovision.
According to the data obtained from Industry body Rajar, the mid-morning show, presented by Bruce is famous for its daily Popmaster quiz. Also, it is Britain’s loved show currently having more than 8.5 million weekly listeners.
Along with his exit from the BBC Radio 2 Mid-Morning show, he will be joining the Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio one of the rivals of BBC Radio 2 in a fresh new Mid-Morning show between 10:00 am – 1:00pm. In an interview he said that, “time for a change. After 45 years of broadcasting on BBC Radio it’s time for a change. I would stress that this is entirely my decision. I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2”.
In January, Bruce announced that he would be leaving the station after 31 years. In his conversation with BBC he confronted that, “Vernon is a lovely bloke and I wish him all the best. Wouldn’t dare give anyone else tips about broadcasting”.
As soon as Bruce took an exit from the show a huge number of celebs took their steps behind and reorganized their schedules. For instance, Scot Mills who presented the afternoon show for the past 23 years at the BBC Radio 2 took over Steve Wright’s slot of 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Steve will continue his alliance with Radio 2 by presenting the Sunday Love Songs show as well as specials on the station. After serving for 14 years Paul O’Grady also left the Sunday afternoon show of Radio 2, as he wasn’t happy to share the slot with Rob Beckett. Vanessa Feltz too left as Owain Wyn Evans the weather presenter took over Vanessa’s early breakfast show.
Head of BBC Radio 2, Helen Thomas says: “Radio 2 is home to some of the UK’s best loved presenters, and I’m thrilled to welcome Vernon to mid-mornings on Radio 2”. She added, “He’s a hugely talented, warm and witty host who has already proved himself to be a firm favourite with our listeners when he’s presented many and varied shows across the station. I can’t wait to hear his brilliant new show.”
Vernon Kay, 48, will be celebrating 20 wedding Anniversary with his wife, Tess Daly (Strictly Come Dancing presenter, hosting various shows on Channel4’s, T4 and ITV programmes including All Star Family Fortunes, Just The Two Of Us, and Beat The Star.)
Vernon Kay’s Achievements:
- From 2004 – 2012 presented his own show on BBC Radio 1
- From 2006-2015 hosted the long running quiz show, All Star Family Fortunes.
- From 2008-2009, two series of Beat the Star.
- In 2010 along with Caroline Flack he co-hosted ITV game show, The Whole 19 Yards.
- In 2013, presented The American Football Show on Channel 4
- Again in 2013-2014 along with Gabby Logan he co-hosted the celebrity diving show Splash
- From 2015-2017 hosted Mid-Morning Shows on Radio X
- In 2018-2019 he hosted Live Formula E Coverage.
After the announcement, Kay stated, “a dream come true”.
“And what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce. I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone. I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel I’ve got to know over the last 18 months.” He added,” It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start.”
Vernon Kay
