Zoe Ball fights back tears on Radio 2 as she bids emotional farewell to beloved co-star
ZOE Ball was left feeling “emotional” live on air as she bid farewell to Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce.
Radio presenter Zoe, 52, informed listeners of the Breakfast Show that she was sad to see the Scottish presenter leave, calling him a “class act”.
The broadcaster, 72, was due to leave his mid-morning weekday show after 31 years at the end of March.
But last week he announced his final show before joining Greatest Hits Radio would be this Friday, after the BBC said they wanted him off air a month earlier.
Zoe paid tribute to Ken after a caller asked how she was doing during the live show.
She replied: “I’m very good, a bit emotional because it’s Ken’s last day today and we love him so much!”
Revealing how the Radio 2 team had celebrated Ken’s final day, Zoe continued: “Actually we’re making a fuss and he hates a fuss.”
After her segment, Zoe filmed her car’s smart screen as she tuned in for Ken’s final show while on her car ride home.
She wrote: “Class act'”, with a heart emoji.
Back in January, Radio 2 legend Ken announced he was to quit the station after 31 years on air.
The much-loved Scotsman, whose PopMaster quiz is a show staple, swapped the Beeb for Greatest Hits Radio in a shock move.
However, despite intending to leave his show at the end of March, he announced he would be departing early as the BBC said they wanted him off air a month earlier.
A source said: “The BBC believe that every second he is on air is just free advertising for his new show on Greatest Hits Radio.
“They became frustrated by the rival station launching a marketing campaign for his show.
“It leaves a sour taste.”
In his post on Friday, Ken wrote: “I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC wants me to leave earlier.”
He starts work at Greatest Hits on April 3.
Radio 2 said: “His return this week after a month of broadcasting the Piano Room at Maida Vale provided a natural break.”
The Sun told last week how Vernon Kay, 48, would be taking over Ken’s popular show.