I'm a Celebrity's Vernon Kay taking over Radio 2 show from Ken Bruce
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The BBC has announced Vernon Kay as Ken Bruce's permanent replacement on Radio 2.
The broadcasting legend announced last month that he is leaving the station after 40 years. He's departing for Greatest Hits Radio and is taking PopMaster with him.
Now, the Beeb has announced who will take over the mid-morning slot permanently and what will happen in the interim.
Ken will present his last show in less than a week, on Friday, March 3. Then, in May, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! star and radio and TV presenting veteran Vernon Kay will take on the reins.
Until then, Gary Davies will step in to cover the slot and introduce the show's new pop music quiz.
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Vernon has a lengthy CV, starting off on youth and music show T4 before presenting things like All-Star Family Fortunes. On the radio, he hosted Radio 1's weekend mid-morning shows for eight years. He also spent two years on Radio X and had stints covering other presenters and hosting Dance Sounds of the '90s on Radio 2 itself.
"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," Vernon said in a statement.
"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."
In a Twitter post following the announcement, Ken claimed that he intended to present for a few weeks longer but that plans had changed.
"I will be presenting my last show on Radio 2 next Friday," he wrote. "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!"
In response to these comments, a BBC spokesperson shared a statement with Digital Spy:
"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."
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