Crime & Safety
Broadcasting legend leaves BBC Radio 2 after 56 years
The radio veteran, 80, has prostate cancer and in April he revealed it has spread to his upper spine.
Mr Harris, who lives in Steventon, near Abingdon, said leaving his shows has been “one of the hardest decisions of my life”.
READ MORE: Whispering Bob Harris branches out
The former Old Grey Whistle Test presenter has lived in the village for more than 30 years.
He added: “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.
“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.
“But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I’ve ever done, and it’s all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.
“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.
“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 per cent.
“I am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening.”
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, hailed Harris as “a true radio legend” as she offered him “a sincere thank you.”
She said: “Bob has hosted The Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity.
“Since taking the reins of Sounds Of The 70s, he has filled the show with love, laughter and captivating stories of being at the heart of the music scene throughout the decade.
“Bob is adored by the Radio 2 family and his listeners, and we are all going to miss him and his weekly shows very much. Everyone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support.”
Mr Harris, who has had a broadcasting career spanning almost 56 years, took over Sounds Of The 70s from Johnnie Walker in 2024.
He has also had roles on Radio 1, BBC Six Music and television, including his celebrated tenure on the award-winning BBC music show Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s.
The presenter has long been a passionate advocate for country, folk, Americana and singer-songwriters and introduced generations of listeners to emerging talent alongside established stars.
He played a significant role in the growing popularity of country music in the UK and BBC Radio 2 celebrated Harris’s 80th birthday in April with a special programme, Bob Harris At 80: A Life In Music.
He presented his last episode of Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday March 8, and his last Radio 2 Country Show on Thursday April 2.
Shaun Keaveny will officially take over as host of Sounds Of The 70s each Sunday from 3-5pm, after deputising in the slot, in addition to hosting the Radio 2 Rock Show on Friday nights.
He said: “As long as I can remember, I’ve loved the music of the 70s. My mum reckons Rocket Man was all over the radio when I was born in ’72 … guess who was playing that on the original Sounds Of The 70s at that time.
“It was the thrill of my life to meet Bob, the man who has done more to maintain the spirit of rock, roll and radio than almost anyone.
“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.
“Somewhere, every week, some kid hears Won’t Get Fooled Again for the first time. You did that for me Bob, and millions like me. We’d like to say Thank You For The Music, you’ll always be our Rock n Roll Doctor.”
Darius Rucker will continue to host The Radio 2 Country Show on Thursdays from 9-10pm in the interim.
The former prime minister and his wife, Carrie Johnson, had asked South Oxfordshire District Council for consent to remove the willow and two ash trees from the gardens.
Their Grade II‑listed riverside property, Brightwell Manor, lies in the countryside between Didcot and Wallingford and was bought in 2023 as a substantial family base away from London.
Mr Johnson has roots in the county, having previously served as Conservative MP for Henley from 2001 to 2008 before going on to be Mayor of London and later entering Downing Street.
READ MORE: Maya Jama buys £520k Cotswolds cottage after split from Man City star
Planning documents show photographs of the outdoor pool with the willow standing only a few metres away, close to a barbecue and seating area used for family gatherings.
Councillors have now signed off on the application following a consultation, allowing the felling work to proceed.
In his written case to the authority, Mr Johnson said the willow should be removed because falling leaves “keep filling up the pool and filter – causing damage to the filter” and added that he hoped to replace it with “a new shed”.
Plans also cover two ash trees: a smaller ash suffering from ash dieback and a larger multi‑stemmed tree described as being “too big for the location and [which] shades a new patio area”.
READ MORE: TV legend’s daughter selling £3.95m Oxfordshire mansion with swimming pool
The 59-year-old stressed that he intends to “replant many trees in due course”, indicating that new planting is expected elsewhere in the extensive gardens.
No objections were submitted by neighbours during the consultation period, suggesting the proposals have attracted little local opposition.
The ruling follows an earlier dispute over the same pool, when permission was temporarily put on hold amid concerns about the impact on protected great crested newts.
Officials eventually granted approval in 2023 on the condition that the couple created additional wildlife habitats elsewhere in the garden to offset any possible harm.
READ MORE: Edwardian £3.95m country mansion with swimming pool up for sale
Soon after the pool was completed, the family shared images of themselves and friends enjoying the water as they celebrated their son Frank’s second birthday.
Writing later in his newspaper column, Mr Johnson insisted he backed conservation efforts, declaring: “If necessary to protect the newts, I will consecrate the entire swimming pool to these wonderful survivors of the vast defeated armies of nature.
“And insofar as I dig a pool, it will be a newt pool and not a pool for human beings.”
He also remarked that, despite his efforts to check, he had yet to uncover any firm proof that great crested newts were actually present in his back garden.
The 52-year-old lives on the Oxfordshire border near Banbury with Spice Girl singer Geri Halliwell, whom he married in 2015.
Mr Horner had been team principal at Red Bull since 2005, overseeing eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.
But this all came to an end last year when his team let him go mid-season over performance-related issues with the team.
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It was reported earlier this week that Mr Horner has secured his first major role since his departure from Red Bull, according to Business Matters magazine.
The British publication reports that the 52-year-old has now been engaged by Oakley Capital as an advisor on the firm’s investments in premium sports.
London-based private equity firm Oakley Capital, founded by serial entrepreneur Peter Dubens, said Mr Horner will work with its investment team to spot and realise deals in what is now one of the fiercest battlegrounds in Europe’s private markets.
The 52-year-old has now reacted to the appointment, sharing that he is excited about what the role entails.
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“Sports businesses are benefiting from growing global audiences and participation rates as more people embrace healthier, active lifestyles,” he said.
“I have known and respected Peter and the Oakley team for many years and have always admired their approach to building ambitious, founder-led businesses.
“Oakley Capital has established a strong reputation across the sports and consumer landscape, and I look forward to working together in the future and sharing my experience to help support the next generation of standout sports businesses.”
There are currently ongoing Thames Water roadworks to change a waterpipe connection on Abingdon Road, the A4144, southbound, in Oxford.
The work started on Wednesday, June 3 and is expected to be complete next week by 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 9.
AA Traffic News shows traffic on Abingdon Road from Kennington Roundabout near Weirs Mill Stream to Folly Bridge, near Christ Church Meadow.
READ MORE: A34: Severe southbound delays of more than 16 minutes
This morning (Thursday, June 4), these roadworks were exacerbating rush hour traffic on the A34, as cars attempted to join the Southern Bypass Road to the Hinkesy Hill Interchange.
Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, is advising drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.
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