BBC Radio 2 has altered its scheduled programming to pay tribute to former presenter Bob Harris, who recently announced his departure from the station after 56 years due to health issues. The 80-year-old broadcaster revealed earlier this month that he was stepping down from his hosting duties to focus on his recovery from cancer.
Special Tribute Show Announced
In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, Radio 2 announced a special edition of The Radio 2 Country Show dedicated to Harris. The station wrote: "The Radio 2 Country Show is celebrating Bob Harris this week after he announced he's stepping down from his show. Tomorrow night from 9pm there will be special messages from the genre’s biggest names and an emotional farewell from Bob himself. Plus, another chance to hear him reflect on his incredible life and career in Bob Harris 80: A Life In Music."
Harris is best known for hosting Radio 2 Country on Thursdays from 9 to 10pm and Sounds of the 70s on Sundays from 3pm to 5pm. He shared that his decision to quit was driven by his battle with cancer, as he wants to "concentrate on getting himself well again."
Emotional Farewell Statement
Last week, Harris released a statement expressing his gratitude and sadness. He 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. 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."
He added: "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."
Harris thanked his fans, saying: "Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say," before explaining his reasons for stepping down. "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."
Successor Announced
The BBC has announced that Shaun Keaveny will officially take over as host of Sounds of the 70s each Sunday, in addition to hosting the Radio 2 Rock Show. Keaveny had previously deputised in the Sounds of the 70s slot and various other shows on Radio 2 over the past year.
Health Battle
In April, Harris shared the devastating news that his prostate cancer had spread to his upper spine, requiring further treatment. He said: "I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted, but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time. When I posted last time from the hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back. Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine…really frightening news. So, I immediately began a course of radiotherapy - two weeks in hospital in total - to bring things back under control. Thankfully, I’m back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day."
