Ken Bruce aired his final show for BBC Radio 2 on Friday after 31 years with the broadcaster.
The Scottish presenter has worked with the BBC since 1977 when he started out as a presenter on Radio Scotland. Ken, 72, is leaving the network to join commercial station Greatest Hits Radio next month.
The legendary broadcaster introduced his final show for the radio station, and told listeners not to look for any “hidden agendas” in his music choices, assuring them: “They’re just good songs. Enjoy!”
He closed his Friday show by playing Golden Slumbers by The Beatles. Quoting the song, he told listeners: "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make - and I have loved being here with you."
He continued: "Thank you so much, and may we meet again somewhere. Thank you to everybody who has contributed in any small way to this programme, particularly the listeners. I really couldn't do it without the listeners, who contribute and complete the dialogue. We talk to each other on a daily basis, and I hope sometime in the future we may be able to continue doing that."
"Thank you, particularly to the members of the Ken Bruce preservation society who sent in a lovely bottle of a certain Irish cream liquor, which I did think about drinking after song nine of the show today but I thought I better just wait until now, that is very very kind of you. Thanks to all who have sent any kind of message of congratulations or good riddance!"
He added: "And I would just like to say thank you, particularly to Phil McGarby and Jeanine Mayer-Smith, they are the only two in the production team, what a fabulous pair they have been. And to the BBC I have been here for a long time and apart from the occasional vagary it is still the finest broadcasting organisation in the world."
Ken announced he was leaving the show back in January, telling listeners it was "time for a change". He said: "It's been a tremendously happy time for me: I've made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues. However, I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio, it's time for a change."
He will be replaced by Vernon Kay in May, with Gary Davies presenting the 09:30-12:00 programme in the interim.
On Twitter, one fan wrote: "Its difficult leaving a long term job whether you like some colleagues or not without having to do it live on air. #KenBruce did it with grace and professionalism. Best of luck to him. Enjoyed listening."
"Thankyou Ken. Goodbye @BBCRadio2 you are no longer fit for purpose ignoring the older audience who have been with you for years," another said.
A third shared: "I've listened to Ken Bruce for as long as I can remember. One of the greatest voices of all time. I'll miss you on Radio 2." Meanwhile someone else tweeted: "I'm in bits. Thank you Ken," alongside a string of crying emojis.
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