Beloved radio broadcaster Ken Bruce has candidly revealed that a growing sense of dissatisfaction at the BBC was turning him into the "grumpiest man in the world," prompting his decision to leave his long-standing role at Radio 2.
The 74-year-old presenter, who spent an incredible 46 years with the corporation, explained that a career shake-up was essential for his happiness. He has since found a new lease on life and a surge in enthusiasm at his new home, Greatest Hits Radio.
A New Chapter at Greatest Hits Radio
In a revealing interview with Saga magazine, Bruce reflected on his move, which took place just two-and-a-half years ago. "Although it’s only been two-and-a-half years since I moved from Radio 2 to Greatest Hits Radio, it feels like a completely different part of my life," he stated.
He described feeling stagnant in his previous role, pondering if the "scrapheap" was next. "I was 71, I’d done the same job for a long time and I started to think, ‘Is that it?'" This introspection led him to seek a new environment with fresh faces and renewed energy, a decision he believes resonates with many people in a similar position.
The move has proven successful. Bruce proudly announced that the audience for his new mid-morning show on Greatest Hits Radio has doubled since he joined. While he is aware that audience figures for his former Radio 2 slot, now hosted by Vernon Kay, have fallen and that some listeners followed him, he refuses to gloat. "You won’t hear me gloating or badmouthing the BBC," he affirmed.
Family Life and Looking Forward
Bruce credits his active family life as a key factor in keeping him youthful. He is a father of six, with his three youngest children—Murray (23), Verity (20), and Charlie (17)—from his current marriage to Kerith, whom he wed in 2000. He was 57 when his youngest was born.
"Being an older parent can be hard but it keeps your mind and body active," he shared. He also gave special mention to his wife Kerith, who manages the care for their autistic son Murray, handling the stress of forms and transitions between colleges.
A recipient of an MBE for his services to radio, Bruce shows no interest in retirement. "Retirement any time soon? Not a chance!" he declared. He emphasises that he is focused on the future with his "new family" at Bauer Radio, the parent company of Greatest Hits Radio, and no longer listens to his old show, preferring to support his new colleagues.
The Departure from the BBC
Ken Bruce's tenure on BBC Radio 2's mid-morning show was a fixture for decades, running from 1986-1990 and again from 1992 until his departure in March 2023. His career with the BBC began even earlier, in 1977, with BBC Radio Scotland.
He announced his exit in January 2023, stating it was "entirely my decision" and that he wanted to pursue "new opportunities" and continue his career in a "slightly different way". He expressed immense pride in his time at the BBC and thanked everyone who contributed to the success of his show.
Bruce's story is one of courageous change later in life, proving that a new challenge can be the perfect remedy for contentment.
