Ken Bruce on becoming the “grumpiest man in the world”
The Radio DJ on why he left the BBC, his PopMaster quiz and daytime parties.
The Radio DJ on why he left the BBC, his PopMaster quiz and daytime parties.
Although it’s only been two and a half years since I moved from Radio 2 to Greatest Hits Radio, it feels like a completely different part of my life.
I had 46 fantastic years at the BBC, but I was turning into the grumpiest man in the world. I was 71, I’d done the same job for a long time, and I started to think, “Is that it? Next stop the scrapheap?”
So, I decided – and I’m sure there are lots of people out there in the same position – that it was time to shake things up. New place and new people, full of enthusiasm for the show. Retirement any time soon? Not a chance!
I’m always asked if I listen to Vernon Kay, who took over the old show on Radio 2, and I always say, “No.” It’s not because I’m boycotting the BBC – I still listen to Radio 3 and archive shows on 4 Extra – it’s because I’m part of a new family now, Bauer Radio.
I want to know what our guys are up to, so I listen to our shows. Am I aware that audience figures for the Radio 2 show have fallen since I left? Yes. Did some follow me over to Greatest Hits Radio? Yes. You won’t hear me gloating or badmouthing the BBC, though.
My new show’s doing well – apparently, the audience has doubled since I joined – and that’s all that matters.
Ken Bruce will be joining Saga’s Celestial Canary Islands cruise, departing 5 January 2026. Enjoy 14-nights on Spirit of Discovery, heading from Portsmouth to Madeira and then taking in La Palma, Tenerife, Las Palmas and Lanzarote.
I've got grown-up kids from my first two marriages [Campbell, 46; Douglas, 44; and Kate, 33], but Kerith and I [Bruce married again in 2000] have also got Murray [23], Verity [20] and Charlie [17]. I was 57 when Charlie arrived, and, yes, being an older parent can be hard, but it keeps your mind and body active.
Murray is autistic and we like to have him living with us. He’s currently in the process of moving from one college to a new provision, which always seems to cause stress. Kerith deals with it all, filling in forms, speaking to the right people.
My three grandsons live in different parts of the country, so I don’t see them all the time, but – as I’m sure readers know – being a grandparent can be quite a workout! Up and down stairs, running around the garden, picking them up. Why bother with weights and a treadmill when you’ve got grandkids!
Diabetes is just a regular part of my life now. One of those magic disc things tells me if my blood sugar is too high or too low, and I take my meds every day without fail, but I try not to let it stop me enjoying myself.
Of course, you have to look at what you eat – carbs are a rare treat and I don’t buy as many bars of Twix as I used to. I also make sure I get enough rest. Kerith and I celebrated our 25th anniversary this year, and the party was all finished by 6pm.
Subscribe to Saga Magazine from just £1 and read the rest of this article in the Saga Magazine app. You’ll get access to our digital archive of over 40 back issues, plus the current edition.
Ken Bruce is on Greatest Hits Radio on weekday mornings from 10am-1pm.
[Hero image credit: Getty Images]
Including exclusive savings for Saga Magazine subscribers, and a special discount of up to 10% when you book two or more cruises back-to-back.
The singer-songwriter on being diagnosed with ADHD at 70 and how she’s ageing on her own terms.
The TV star chats about health, her love of sprouts and why she’s been proven right about the detox diet.
This frank documentary about the comedian’s European tour reveals the realities of travelling in your 80s.
The baking queen on celebrating her 90th birthday, her daily indulgence and why her husband Paul thinks “cooking is boring”.
The presenter on being sacked by the BBC and why her views are 'career suicide'.
