Ken Bruce, a former Radio 2 mid-morning DJ, has revealed that he is much happier in life right now as a result of some significant changes.
Radio DJ Ken Bruce says he was becoming the “grumpiest man in the world ” at the BBC before he left Radio 2. The much-loved DJ had a mid-morning slot on Radio 2 for much of his life between 1986 and 1990, then again from 1992 to 2023.
However, he decided it was too late and left to work for Greatest Hits Radio, where he is currently employed. It feels like a completely different chapter of my life, Ken said in a statement to Saga magazine. Despite having 46 fantastic years at the BBC, I was becoming the world’s grumpiest.
When I was 71, I had worked the same job for a while and I began to wonder, “Is that it?” Next, “Stop the Scrapheap” So I made the decision that it was time to change things up, and I’m sure there are many others who are just like me. New people, brand-new setting, and a show-filled audience. Any chance of retirement? Not a chance! “
Ken, 74, was chosen for his radio-related services to the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and still enjoys making radio available. And he doesn’t look back, he prefers to look forward.
He continued, “I’m always asked if I listen to Vernon Kay, who took over the old show on Radio 2, and I always say “No.” referring to his former job. I still watch Radio 3 and watch archive shows on 4 Extra, but it’s because I’m now a member of Bauer Radio, which is my new family.
I listen to our shows because I want to know what our guys are up to. Do I know how few listeners have tuned in since I left the Radio 2 program? Yes. Some people referred me to Greatest Hits Radio. Yes. However, I won’t be gloating or criticizing the BBC. All that matters is that my new show is doing well; it appears that the audience has doubled since I first started watching.
Ken also attributed keeping his mind and body young to his older father. In 2000, he wed his third wife, Kerith, and they have three children. “I have grown-up kids from my first two marriages [Campbell, 46, Douglas, 44, and Kate, 33], but Kerith and I also have Murray [23], Verity [20], and Charlie [17],” said Karen.
Being an older parent can be challenging, but it keeps your mind and body active. I was 57 when Charlie arrived. We like to have Murray living with us because he is autistic. He is currently transitioning from one college to a new one, which always seems stressful. Filling out forms and speaking to the appropriate people are all handled by Kerith.
Scottish broadcaster announced that he would be leaving his 9 to 5am to midday slot in March of that year during one of his BBC shows in January 2023. He was soon confirmed as moving to Bauer Radio to host a brand-new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm following this announcement.
When Bruce left BBC Radio 2, he said, “Nothing stays the same forever, and I’ve chosen the moment to leave when my current contract expires in March.”
“I’ve made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues,” I said. After 45 years of full-time BBC Radio broadcasting, I believe it’s time for a change.
Although I’ve chosen this entirely, I’ve also had some new opportunities and would like to continue my career in a slightly different way in the coming years, more details will be revealed soon.
“I’m going to always be very proud of my work with the BBC and Radio 2 in particular, and I want to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the mid-morning show.”
The radio DJ first joined the corporation in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland presenter and his first regular slot on Radio 2 was the Saturday Late Show in 1984.
He took over from Sir Terry Wogan and he took over the Radio 2 Breakfast Show the following year. He later relocated to midmornings in 1986, and in January 1992, he made his way back to midmornings after a brief break from late nights and early mornings.
* The full interview with Ken is in Saga Magazine’s December issue, out now.
Source: Mirror
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