Ken Bruce will be hosting his final Radio 2 show today after 31 years at the BBC. Yet, despite being hailed as a radio legend, his exit has been overshadowed by a bitter feud between himself and BBC bosses.
The 71 year old shocked fans in January when he announced his departure from his weekday morning show after three decades.
He was due to present his final show at the end of March before moving to Greatest Hits Radio days later.
At the time, he told fans: "After 45 years of broadcasting on BBC Radio it's time for a change.
"I would stress that this is entirely my decision. I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2".
Relations between the station and Ken appeared to be cordial - despite a huge upheaval at the station with hordes of major stars leaving - with BBC Radio 2 tweeting in response: " We have some news… After 31 years of presenting the 9:30am-midday weekday show Ken Bruce has decided to leave.
"We’re going to miss you lots Ken and want to congratulate you on a fantastic career at the BBC."
But things appeared to sour just days after Vernon Kay was announced as Ken's replacement.
Ken shed light on his exit on Twitter, revealing that the BBC had decided to cut his contract short and for him to leave at the beginning of March, rather than the end.
He tweeted: "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!"
Ken has not tweeted since, though fans and friends took to Twitter to share their sadness that he was leaving early.
Les Dennis wrote: "You are a true star Ken. I will miss you so much. Actually I won’t. I’ll follow you to your new destination. Much love and thanks for cheering up my weekday mornings."
Carol Vorderman commented: "I couldn’t wish you more love in the world Ken. Thank you for everything you’ve done and the smiles you gave Whiters and I on Countdown so many times Onto your next huge chapter."
Cricketer Jack Russell tweeted: "Whoever is running @BBCRadio2 literally have not got a clue or care what their listens want, absolutely no idea We’re now missing a month of @RealKenBruce Golden rule when selling anything “know your market” Congrats @greatesthitsuk which now have a group of top presenters #Radio."
While one fan fumed: "No way to treat a loyal servant. Obsessed with change. A stable society has its constants, its reliability, its expectations."
A source at the BBC went on to suggest that his early exit was due to his next job at Greatest Hits Radio.
"The BBC believe that every second he is on air is just free advertising for his new show on Greatest Hits Radio," they told The Sun. "They became frustrated by the rival station launching a marketing campaign for his show, it leaves a sour taste."
However, a BBC spokesperson later told the Mirror: "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."
