Vernon Kay set to replace Ken Bruce on Radio 2 slot

Vernon Kay is reportedly set to replace Ken Bruce on his Radio 2 show as the DJ leaves for a rival station.

Ken, 71 announced his departure on his show in January, and it was soon revealed that he would be joining rival station Greatest Hits Radio. A while after his announcement, the BBC tweeted: “We have some news… after 31 years of presenting the 9.30am-midday week 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.”

The broadcaster will present his final show at the end of March before moving to Greatest Hits Radio just days later. The Mail reports that Vernon, who has stood in for Scott Mills and Zoe Ball on their shows at the same station, will be Ken’s replacement — the BBC has not yet officially confirmed the news.

The BBC Radio 2 station has seen several broadcasting stars leave over the last two years, including Paul O’Grady, Steve Wright, Craig Charles, Simon Mayo and Vanessa Feltz. In a statement announcing his exit, Ken said it was ‘time for a change.’

He wrote: “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 proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2.”

Vernon, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, is no stranger to radio, hosting his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004-2012, and presenting his own show on Radio X from 2015-2017.

Graham Norton kicked off the exodus of stars departing from Radio 2 after he left the station in 2020, quitting his weekend slot. After 10 years hosting the slot, he said in a statement at the time: “Obviously I’m sad to be stepping away from my Radio 2 show. I’ll miss being part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives.

“I’d like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I’ve worked with for a great decade of radio. Happily with the chat show, Eurovision and Drag Race, the BBC continues to be my perfect TV home.”

Amidst speculation around who will replace Ken, writer and presenter Richard Osman has said Liza Tarbuck would be his call. Liza has appeared on BBC Radio 2 since 2007 and landed her own show in 2012 when she replaced Alan Carr on his Saturday show 6-8pm.