Vernon Kay gave an “emotional” goodbye as a BBC Radio 2 presenter made the big decision to “step back” from his role on the radio station, with Vernon admitting that the news made the crew emotional
BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has issued a moving tribute as a radio star decided to “step back” from his role.
Vernon, 52, paid tribute to colleague and broadcaster Bob Harris who is stepping away from BBC Radio 2 and broadcasting due to ill health.
Bob, 80, has presented on the radio for over 50 years, hosting shows such as Sounds Of The 70s and Radio 2 Country. However, he has also been living with prostate cancer after being diagnosed almost 20 years ago. Earlier this year he confirmed the disease had spread to his upper spine.
Following the news bulletin announcing Bob’s departure, Vernon issued a moving tribute to Bob, a man he said was “one of those people you just listened to”. He added that his colleague’s news had made the crew emotional.
Vernon said: “Yes, it’s been announced that Whispering Bob is stepping back from his broadcasting career and we just want to send Bob all our love.
“He is, without doubt, one of the best. With everything he’s done on the radio throughout his career and then the old grey whistle test and his relationship with all the music artists that he’s interviewed through that illustrious career.”
Vernon added: “Bob is one of those people that you sit next to and you just listen. You just listen to the stories, you listen to the advice, you listen to the guidance, you listen to Bob telling you how and why you do what you do.
“And he’s one of the special ones, he really is, he’s one of the reasons why I absolutely love rocking up at BBC Radio 2 because Bob’s there. And we’re all a little bit emotional today because he’s stepping back from his stuff that he’s done at BBC Radio 2 and in broadcasting.”
Vernon went onto highlight Bob’s impact on the popularity of country music in the UK, highlighting Bob’s impact on “elevating” the genre to make it one of the fastest growing in the country.
He added: “And The Country Show that Bob’s been presenting is just superb…What he’s done for country music, bringing it over to the UK, enhancing and elevating country music with our BBC Radio 2 audience and allowing people to access country music…So Bob we are sending you all our love. We really are.”
Bob has also addressed his departure. In a statement released earlier today he talked more about his decisions for stepping down.
He said: “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.”
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