BBC Radio 2 legend steps down after 56 years following devastating health news

Bob Harris has announced that he is quitting his BBC radio shows after 56 years of presenting. The 80-year-old has been battling cancer and wants to focus on "getting himself well again".

He was best known for hosting Radio 2 Country on Thursdays from 9 to 10pm and Sounds of the 70s, every Sunday from 3pm till 5pm. In an emotional statement, Bob shared that he felt very "fortunate" for his career. He said: "It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much. I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I’m grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way. Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station."

Bob went on: "I am so proud that The Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling Country to become the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds of the 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life. "

The broadcaster then thanked his fans, saying: "Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say," before going on to explain his reasons for stepping down.

"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," he shared.

"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.”

BBC have announced that Shaun Keaveny will officially take over as host of Sounds of the 70s each Sunday, in addition to hosting the Radio 2 Rock Show after deputising in the Sounds of the 70s slot and various other shows on Radio 2 during the past year.

Back in April, Bob shared an update with his fans on Instagram, posting from a hospital bed. He shared the devastating news that his prostate cancer had spread and he had to undergo further treatment.

At the time, he shared: "I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted, but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time.

"When I posted last time from the hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back. Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine…really frightening news.

"So, I immediately began a course of radiotherapy - two weeks in hospital in total - to bring things back under control. Thankfully, I’m back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day."