LONDON — Bob Harris announced his decision to step down from Radio 2 after 30 years with the station. Harris's departure follows his revelation six weeks prior that his prostate cancer had spread to his upper spine.
Harris, 80, first received treatment for prostate cancer in 2007. He experienced back pain before seeking medical advice. In April, he took a two-week hiatus from his presenting duties to undergo radiotherapy in a hospital. Harris hosted both the Country Show and Sounds of the 70s on Radio 2.
Harris said the decision was difficult. "I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate now on getting myself well again." He added, "I put everything I have into every show I've ever done, and it's all been because of you. I feel so blessed to have had your support across so many years."
His final broadcast of Sounds of the 70s aired on 8 March, and the Country Show's last broadcast with Harris was on 2 April. Shaun Keaveny will take over as host for Sounds of the 70s, airing on Sundays from 3pm to 5pm. Keaveny also hosts the Rock Show on Friday nights. Keaveny said, "I consider it not just an honour but a mission to continue Bob's work of showing the world the greatness of the music of that special decade."
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said, "Bob has hosted the Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity." Harris's broadcasting career spans approximately 56 years, including previous roles on Radio 1, Radio 6 Music, and BBC television, and he presented the music program The Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s.