One of the most eagerly-anticipated radio debuts in recent years is almost upon us, with Ken Bruce set to present his first show on Greatest Hits.
The much-loved veteran broadcaster announced his departure from Radio 2 in January after 45 years with the BBC.
He’s in a slightly different slot with his new station, but is taking the iconic Popmaster game with him – here’s how to listen live.
What time is Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio?
Bruce’s new show begins on Greatest Hits Radio on Monday 3 April, airing every weekday from 10am to 1pm – a slight tweak to his BBC mid-morning schedule of 9.30am to 12pm.
Fans of Popmaster will be pleased to learn there will be no change to that part of their morning routine, as it will start starting at 10.30am every day, just as it did on the BBC.
First airing in 1998, Bruce turned the music quiz into the most listened-to 30 minute section of UK radio’s most popular show.
The DJ and the game’s co-creator and question-setter Phil Swern are now seeking to make it into a TV show, with i revealing how negotiations with a major broadcaster are underway.
As well as bringing PopMaster to Greatest Hits, Bruce promised “me and my musings and all the great records you know and love from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
How can I listen to Greatest Hits Radio?
According to the Greatest Hits website, the station can be found on FM and DAB. You can access the specific regional frequencies for the show on Planet Radio.
For those without a radio, the station can be accessed via their website or on the free app for iPhone or Android. It can also be found on Freeview channel 716 and Sky channel 0151.
The station already features in its presenting ranks the likes of Simon Mayo (who left Radio 2 in 2018), Martin Kemp, Jackie Brambles and Pat Sharp.
Why did Ken Bruce leave BBC Radio 2?
Announcing Bruce’s departure on 17 January, Radio 2 tweeted: “We have some news… After 31 years of presenting the 9.30am-midday weekday 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.”
Bruce said that after 45 years on the BBC it was “time for a change”, explaining: “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.”
He added: “I would stress that this is entirely my decision but some new opportunities have come up and I would like to continue my career in a slightly different way in the next few years, the details of which will be revealed shortly.
“I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC and Radio 2 in particular and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped to make the mid-morning show a success.”
Bruce was initially due to continue until the end of his contract of March, but ended up leaving a few weeks earlier than planned, tweeting on Tuesday, 28 February: “I had intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March but the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier. Let’s enjoy the week ahead!”
The presenter eventually hosted his final BBC show on Friday 3 March.
Bruce joined the BBC in 1977, and spent a year presenting the Radio 2 Breakfast Show before starting in the mid-morning slot in 1986.
After brief forays into late nights and early mornings, he returned to mid mornings at the start of 1992, where he has remained ever since. He has also fronted Radio 2’s coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1988.