Who is replacing Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2? The star confirmed

The DJ has now left BBC Radio 2 and Ken Bruce will start on Greatest Hits Radio (opens in new tab) next month.

Having announced earlier this year that he was quitting his BBC Radio 2 (opens in new tab) show after 31 years as a broadcaster. His 9.30am - midday show on the station airs weekdays and the legendary DJ has been playing the tunes for avid listeners and will continue to do so up until Ken Bruce's last show (opens in new tab).

But with his days on the airwaves numbered, fans are keen to find out who will be stepping into his studio seat as we look at who's been announced as his replacement...

Who is replacing Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2?

The BBC has confirmed that Vernon Kay (opens in new tab) is replacing Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 mid-morning show and will take over the reigns in May. The broadcaster made the official announcement on its social media, when they shared, "We're delighted to announce that Vernon Kay will be taking over the mid-morning show on Radio 2 later this year!"

Speaking about his new role, Vernon said, “I’m absolutely over the moon to be handed the microphone to present the mid-morning show on Radio 2, and what an honour to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Ken Bruce. I look forward to playing some of the best music in the world whilst in the company of the Radio 2 listeners who I feel I’ve got to know over the last 18 months. It’s a dream come true to join the Radio 2 family and I can’t wait to start.”

Vernon is already familiar to Radio 2 listeners as in recent years he’s covered for The Zoe Ball (opens in new tab) Breakfast Show, Steve Wright in the Afternoon, Rylan on Saturday and Dermot O’Leary. He also presents Dance Sounds of the 90s on BBC Sounds and Radio 2. 

Vernon kicked off his radio career at Radio 1 from 2004 – 2012, where he presented Saturday and Sunday mid-morning shows. From 2015 – 2017, Vernon presented the mid-morning show on Radio X.

Speculation over the star taking on the role started 24 hours before the official announcement as reports over him signing a two-year deal, with sources telling The Sun at the time, "This is the biggest, most coveted gig in radio. Ken's show is the most listened to in Europe so Vernon has massive shoes to fill. But he's such a warm, easy presenter and listeners have really taken to him."

The continued, "Vernon has a raft of fresh, new ideas and content, but will not be trying to reinvent the wheel here - he knows how important this show is to listeners, and wants them to feel welcome and safe. Everyone at the Beeb is hugely excited to have him on board." 

And fans have started congratulating him on social media, one fan put, "Omg just read you got Ken Bruce slot yes yes yesssssss."

Another fan put, "Great news. Love Vern" and a third fan added, "Nice one."

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said, “Radio 2 is home to some of the UK’s best loved presenters, and I’m thrilled to welcome Vernon to mid-mornings on Radio 2. He’s a hugely talented, warm and witty host who has already proved himself to be a firm favourite with our listeners when he’s presented many and varied shows across the station. I can’t wait to hear his brilliant new show.”

Meanwhile on news of Ken's departure, Rylan wished Ken well, he said, "Ken Bruce. A beautiful man who’s always been so lovely to me at BBC Radio 2. Going to be so missed on air, but personally I’ll miss having a beer in a foreign country discussing anything and everything whilst at Eurovision. Thanks for always being so lovely."

Who are the DJs on Radio 2?

The current roster of DJs on BBC Radio 2 have shows on the most popular station in the United Kingdom with over 15 million weekly listeners. Since launching in 1967, the station broadcasts a wide range of content and its website claims, "With a repertoire covering more than 40 years, Radio 2 plays the widest selection of music on the radio—from classic and mainstream pop to a specialist portfolio including classical, country, folk, jazz, soul, rock 'n' roll, gospel and blues." Here is the current roster of DJs...

• Michael Ball
• Zoe Ball
• Rob Beckett (opens in new tab)
• Tony Blackburn
• OJ Borg
• Kate Bottley
• Ken Bruce
• Nicki Chapman
• Rylan Clark
• Fearne Cotton
• Sara Cox (opens in new tab)
• Jamie Cullum
• Gary Davies
• DJ Spoony
• Sophie Ellis-Bextor
• Paul Gambaccini
• Angela Griffin
• Bob Harris
• Vernon Kay
• Cerys Matthews
• Scott Mills (opens in new tab)
• Jason Mohammad
• Trevor Nelson
• Dermot O'Leary
• Elaine Paige
• Mark Radcliffe
• Romesh Ranganathan
• Liza Tarbuck
• Jeremy Vine
• Michelle Visage
• Johnnie Walker
• Jo Whiley (opens in new tab)
• Claudia Winkleman
• Steve Wright (opens in new tab)

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