Ken Bruce has slammed the BBC for axing him one month early from his Radio 2 job.
DJ Ken Bruce slams BBC
The 72-year-old DJ was due to leave the station at the end of March, before taking up a new job at Greatest Hits Radio from April 3, but he revealed he was shocked and disappointed when station bosses told him on Friday (24.02.23) that he was out next week.
He told MailOnline: "I was called in at 12.30 and told that my final show would be a week today and wasn't given any real reason that I understood.
"I'm a little surprised and disappointed."
An insider said: "It shows zero respect for Ken and what he has done for Radio 2," adding that it made the broadcaster look "very ungracious" and showed "contempt" for his audience.
Ken wrote on Twitter: "I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday. I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier.
"Let's enjoy the week ahead."
A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: "Ken decided to leave Radio 2 and it's always been known he's leaving in March.
"Returning to Wogan House for a week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale provided a natural break. We wish Ken all the best for the future."
Meanwhile, Vernon Kay declared it was a "a dream come true" after he was announced to take over the station's mid-morning show from Ken but acknowledged he's got some big shoes to fill.
He said of his new job: "I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone to present the mid-morning show on Radio 2, and what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce.
"I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel I’ve got to know over the last 18 months. It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start."
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