BBC Radio 2 legend Bob Harris offers update after announcing emotional exit
The radio veteran has has to step back from his Radio 2 shows, Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country, because of ill health
Broadcasting legend Bob Harris has shared an update with fans as to how he is getting on after he was forced to announce his plans to leave BBC Radio 2 due to ill health.
The radio veteran, 80, has prostate cancer, and in April, he revealed it has spread to his upper spine. Earlier this month, it was confirmed he would be stepping down from his Radio 2 shows Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country because of his health, with him saying the move was "one of the hardest decisions of my life".
He added: "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.
"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.
"But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I’ve ever done, and it’s all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say. 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."
A couple of weeks on and Bob took to his Instagram page with an update, as he shared how having to take a step back from work means he's able to spend more time with his friends and family.
He shared a string of photos, which started with a smiling selfie of himself and BBC Radio 1 presenter, Greg James. In the caption, he wrote: "Having to stop work because of ill health is not what I would have chosen, but the massive positive is the quality time I am now able to spend with lovely friends [heart emoji] #friends #friendship."
Greg was quick to respond: "Big Bob! We love you. Sorry for taking this photo on a potato," while former Radio 2 Breakfast host Zoe Ball said: "These pics Bob [heart emojis]." Sally Boazman, aka Sally Traffic, Radio 2's traffic news reporter, added: "2 of the worlds’ nicest people…"