Vanessa Feltz suggests Ken Bruce may have left BBC because of ‘some feeling of ageism’

Vanessa Feltz has speculated over Ken Bruce’s departure from BBC Radio 2, saying he may have left because of a ‘feeling of ageism’.

The treasured 71-year-old host broke the news to his listeners on Tuesday morning, confirming his last show would air in March.

Addressing his impending departure, Bruce said: ‘Nothing stays the same forever and I have decided the time is right for me to move on from Radio 2 when I reach the end of my current contract in March.

‘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.’

The veteran broadcaster stressed that it was ‘entirely’ his decision and that he ‘would like to continue my career in a slightly different way’.

Discussing his departure on This Morning, Vanessa, who worked with Bruce at the BBC, said: ‘I would imagine, that it’s a feeling of some sense of ageism at the BBC.

‘That once you get over a certain age, your days are numbered, you’re not valued in the same way.

‘The music isn’t as appealing, because they’ve changed the music at Radio 2 to appeal to a younger audience they’re so desperate to get.’

She continued: ‘I can’t speak for him, although I adore him, but I imagine he felt that he didn’t have a bright future there.’

Vanessa added that she herself had felt this sense of ageism while at the BBC.

‘Think of all the people that have left,’ she continued, listing the ‘stellar list of biggest stars with the hugest ratings who have walked away.’

‘Why would you do that from something that is so successful?’

It was later revealed that Bruce will be back on the airwaves in April when he joins Greatest Hits Radio.

It’s been confirmed that the much-loved presenter will have a brand new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm, starting on April 3.

When approached by Metro.co.uk for comment, a Radio 2 spokesperson said: ‘Ken explained his reasons for leaving Radio 2 in his quote and on air. We respect his decision and wish him the very best of luck in the future as he’s been a much loved part of the Radio 2 family.

‘Radio 2 is hugely proud of having a range of presenters from their 30s to 80 years old on the station, an age range which hasn’t changed in decades, in fact Ken Bruce started presenting on Radio 2 at the age of 32.

‘Radio 2 will continue to be a multi-generational radio station that serves a 35+ audience with listeners tuning in each week to our brilliant range of programmes, hosted by some of the UK’s best loved presenters.

‘We continue to play a wide variety of the best music from the past seven decades, including from the 60s and 70s.’

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.

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