Zoe Ball admitted she was emotional over her BBC Radio 2 star Ken Bruce's earlier than-planned 'exit'.
The Breakfast show host, 52, told listeners multiple times during her segment how she was feeling as Bruce, 72, was due to take to the airwaves one last time yesterday for Radio 2 after an incredible 31 years.
The host chatted to a listener and replied: “I’m very good.
“A bit emotional because it’s Ken’s last day today, and we love him so much.”
But she said her and her colleagues 'complaint' would be noted when he saw the send-off they had planned.
Adding: "We’re making a fuss, and he hates a fuss!” The presenter confessed to the listener.
Ken's departure was announced back in January ahead of his contract not being renewed this month.
But the BBC asked him to take an early exit, effective of 'gardening leave' so the radio veteran left on Friday — some 17 days earlier than planned.
Ahead of her exit, he said he would “always be proud” of his association with the BBC and Radio 2, but that he wanted to continue his career “in a slightly different way in the next few years”
It has been suggested Bruce's move to Bauer's Greatest Hits Radio and due to his name and image now appearing on promos had forced the BBC to take the bold move to cut ties to prevent 'free advertising' for the commercial station and his new show.
Zoe discussed with listeners Bruce's departure and his incredible tenure as she quipped she feels she will be "lucky" to continue the next to, 'let alone 31'.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme : “It's entirely within the BBC's right to ask me to step away a little early. But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining [on my contract], it seems a shame.”
Meanwhile, Family Fortunes host Vernon Kay, who is married to, will be taking over in the Radio 2 mid-morning until midday slot.
Speaking as a guest on Zoe Ball's show he recalled his dad's take on the veteran radio presenter, adding: "Whatever channel you choose to listen to, whoever is on mid-morning, it's the Ken Bruce slot."
Before commenting on his own new role he added: "He has made it his own and he is an absolute legend of broadcasting. To be asked to step into those big shoes… it was a big deep breath, I'll be honest with you."
