Veteran broadcaster Bob Harris has announced he is stepping down from his BBC Radio 2 shows after 30 years to focus on recovering from ill health. The 80-year-old, known as "Whispering" Bob Harris, hosts The Country Show and Sounds of the 70s.
He revealed six weeks ago that his prostate cancer had spread into his upper spine. In April he took a break from presenting and spent two weeks in hospital after undergoing radiotherapy, having sought medical advice after experiencing "excruciating pain" in his back. He was first treated for prostate cancer in 2007.
In an emotional message shared on the station's Instagram account, he said it had been "one of the hardest decisions of my entire life" and that he must concentrate on getting well again. He apologised for being unable to carry on, saying he would never want to present programmes while unable to give 100%.
Harris, who described himself as "a massive BBC loyalist", has had roles on Radio 1, 6 Music and BBC television, including his celebrated tenure on The Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s. His broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years, and he said he had "loved every moment" behind the microphone.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, hailed Harris as "a true radio legend" and offered a "sincere thank you" for his work. His last Sounds of the 70s aired on 8 March and his final Country Show on 2 April. Shaun Keaveny will officially take over as host of Sounds of the 70s, saying it was "not just an honour but a mission" to continue Bob's work.
