Veteran broadcaster Bob Harris has stepped down from his BBC Radio 2 shows after 30 years, citing health problems. The 80-year-old, known as 'Whispering' Bob Harris, announced the decision six weeks after revealing his prostate cancer had spread into his upper spine.
In an emotional message shared on BBC Radio 2's Instagram account, Harris said it was 'one of the hardest decisions of my entire life'. He apologised to listeners, stating: 'I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate now on getting myself well again.'
Harris, who hosted The Country Show and Sounds of the 70s, took a break in April after experiencing 'excruciating pain' in his back. He underwent radiotherapy and spent two weeks in hospital. He was first treated for prostate cancer in 2007.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, hailed Harris as 'a true radio legend' and thanked him for his decades of service. Shaun Keaveny will take over as host of Sounds of the 70s, having previously deputised in the slot.
Harris's broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years, including his celebrated tenure on The Old Grey Whistle Test in the 1970s. He presented his last Sounds of the 70s on 8 March and his final Country Show on 2 April.
