Inside Johnnie Walker’s heartbreaking battle with terminal respiratory disease as veteran DJ, 79, joins a mass exodus of BBC stalwarts by confirming his departure after 55-years on the air
As a seasoned radio host myself, I can truly empathize with Ken Bruce’s decision to move on from the BBC. Having spent over four decades in the broadcasting industry, I too have felt the familiar tug of change and the need for new challenges. The radio landscape is dynamic, and it’s essential to adapt or risk becoming the “old bloke in the corner.
On Sunday, it was officially announced that Johnnie Walker, who’s been with BBC Radio 1 for a staggering 55 years since his first appearance, is stepping down, marking the end of an impressive era in broadcasting history.
1969 marked the debut of a young, vibrant Johnnie Walker as he started hosting a two-hour Saturday program for the broadcasting titan, with London serving as the bustling hub of trendiness on Carnaby Street.
However, due to his admission of having a terminal case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare and progressive lung disease, he is concluding his long-term relationship with the BBC at the age of 79, as he only has a few weeks left to live.
IPF, or Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, usually involves the hardening and thickening of lung tissues, the development of scars within these areas, and a persistent and non-recoverable deterioration of lung capacity.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to shed some light on potential symptoms that might be concerning. Over time, you may notice an increasing difficulty in breathing, accompanied by a persistent, dry cough. Additionally, feelings of exhaustion become more frequent, and there could be changes in the shape of your fingernails, making them unusually large or dome-like. If any of these symptoms resonate with you, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.
On Sunday, he spoke about his experiences: “Maintaining a professional standard appropriate for Radio 2 while dealing with various challenges in hosting the show has become increasingly complex.
“On October 27th will mark the final Sounds Of The 70s show for me. Therefore, I aim to make the last three broadcasts as exceptional as I can.
He added: ‘And by the way, I can also reveal not only my last Sounds Of The 70s, but the person taking over the show will be the one and only Bob Harris, so Bob Harris will be in charge of Sounds Of The 70s from the 3rd of November.’
On this coming Friday, the 25th of October, from 11 PM to midnight, you can catch the last episode of The Rock Show with your favorite DJ. And mark your calendars for this coming Sunday, the 27th of October, from 3 PM to 5 PM, as it will be the final episode of Sounds Of The 70s featuring our DJ.
The upcoming departure of Walker signifies another notable radio DJ leaving BBC, following in the footsteps of well-known personalities like Tony Blackburn, Clara Amfo, Claudia Winkleman, Andrew Peach, and Ken Bruce who have all previously announced their resignations.
In another instance, BBC Wales host Carol Vorderman was dismissed due to violating stringent social media rules after a sequence of heated posts criticizing ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Conservative administration on various online platforms.
For the last four years, Walker has been battling Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a condition that has confined him to his home and necessitated constant care starting from January.
20 years back, during June, the radio host moved his audience to tears when he publicly expressed gratitude towards his wife Tiggy for having ‘rescued him from death’, following a cancer diagnosis soon after their honeymoon in India.
He mentioned that his time on Earth is limited, as he’s nearing the end of his physical life. This period has been quite introspective for him and us.
At this point in my life, I find myself needing your care once more. I truly believe that during my cancer battle, it was your support that gave me the strength to carry on and ultimately helped save my life. Without you by my side, I don’t think I would have made it through.
Your affection has been incredibly nurturing, filling me with anticipation for the future. Additionally, your current care significantly improves the quality of my life.
He disclosed that due to his dependence on oxygen tanks and a continuous oxygen supply for breathing, they have started sleeping in different bedrooms.
It’s clear that we’re in different rooms due to the loud oxygen machine; it might disturb Tiggy’s sleep. This situation may cause her concern about my well-being, as she might worry if I’ll be alright tomorrow, which undoubtedly is tough for her.
As he faced the imminence of his demise, Walker shared that he holds belief in a new realm that lies ahead, yet admitted to feeling apprehensive about the manner of his departure.
He mentioned that he has a condition called pulmonary fibrosis, which causes his lungs to progressively scar, making them less effective at distributing oxygen throughout his body and into his bloodstream.
‘So I do worry about becoming more and more breathless and suffocating as a way of dying.’
He went on to say: ‘I believe there exists another realm, frequently called the “other side” of the veil. I think it’s extremely close to our own world, yet it’s not visible because it operates at a far higher frequency.’
As a hopelessly devoted fan, I find myself drawn not just to the events or the characters, but to the incredible people I may encounter along the way. For 14 years, my life was graced by the most enchanting little canine companion named D’arcey. She was more than a pet; she was family, and I held her in the highest affection. I believe that love was reciprocated, as I sense she felt the same way towards me. Oh, how delightful it would be to see her again, wagging her tail with joy, just as I remember her doing so many times before.
Walker is leaving following the news that Tony Blackburn will be ending his BBC London radio program in December 2023.
The radio DJ took to X, formerly Twitter, to share the news that he was leaving his BBC Radio London show because it is ‘time to move on’.
As your trusted lifestyle guide, I wanted to set the record straight: though I’m taking a step back from my role at BBC Radio London, you can still catch me on air! I will continue hosting my beloved BBC Radio 2 shows, and of course, Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour won’t be missing from your radio dial. So fear not, our time together remains unchanged!
Moving forward, on what was previously known as Twitter, he shared: “Hello all, I wanted to inform you that following some wonderful years at BBC Radio London, I’ve chosen to part ways with the station. This coming Sunday marks my final Soul On Sunday broadcast.
Over time, we’ve shared countless joyous moments through engaging live performances specifically designed for Children in Need, and along the way, we’ve produced some amazing music.
On Sundays, you’ll find me on BBC Berkshire, BBC Oxford, and BBC Radio Solent in the afternoons, and of course, I’ll also be there on the fantastic BBC Radio 2.
“I’ve made this choice myself, considering all the wonderful moments we shared. However, it’s now time for me to embark on new adventures. Thank you for being here and lending an ear.
In a subsequent update, the celebrity expressed gratitude towards his thoughtful supporters for their well-wishes after his recent announcement, and hinted at additional thrilling performances he has planned.
He wrote: Thanks very much for all your lovely messages today you really are very kind. I look forward to playing lots of Soul Music for you in the future, in fact coming up on @BBCRadio2.
On the 26th of December and again on New Year’s Day, both at noon, I’ll be hosting two Sounds Of Soul shows. The tunes are going to keep flowing, and I really look forward to having you along for the ride!
A representative from the BBC stated: “For many years, Tony has played an essential role at BBC Radio London. We want to express our gratitude for his remarkable contributions to our station.
He still plays an essential role within the extended BBC Radio network and will carry on with his regular broadcasts on BBC Radio Berkshire, Oxford, Solent, as well as on his BBC Radio 2 program over the weekends.
Clara Amfo also quit her presenting job on BBC Radio 1’s Future Sounds that December.
In 2020, the DJ, who danced on Strictly Come Dancing alongside Aljaz Skorjanec, made an announcement and uploaded a picture of herself in a recording studio onto her Instagram account.
In appreciation and careful consideration, I’ve decided it’s time for me to bid farewell to Future Sounds on BBC Radio 1.
Instead of lengthy discourses (since you know I enjoy them!), I’ll reserve that for my grand finale. For now, allow me to express my immense pride in the work I’ve accomplished on various projects throughout the years, whether it was from the 8th floor or traveling across the UK, even visiting random pop stars’ homes!
‘I’m grateful to have had the ears of the listeners who have consistently shown up for me.
I’m deeply impressed by every team I’ve worked with during each broadcast, it’s truly a pleasure collaborating with them.
I am deeply appreciative of the remarkable artists and their dedicated crews for selecting our platform to exhibit their artistry and private reflections, consistently offering one of life’s most valuable resources that helps us persevere through this chaotic world.
I’m buzzing with enthusiasm and ready for what’s next in this network, and beyond! Looking forward to connecting with you at 6pm, Clara. x
Claudia Winkleman also announced she will be quitting her Radio 2 show after 15 years on air.
During her broadcast, the presenter openly disclosed that she desires to devote more time to her kids, as she was sharing the latest updates with her audience.
Claudia’s last performance aired in March, and starting from April, Romesh Ranganathan took over the role instead.
The TV host graciously expressed that it was a genuine honor to lead the program, offering thanks to her audience.
She started off by expressing, “First and foremost, I’ll make no bones about it – I adore Radio 2!
It’s truly a delight to join you each Saturday, engaging with remarkable guests, spending time with Sally, and primarily, reading your exceptional messages.
However, let me share something that might sound like an old saying, but I feel compelled to express it anyway: The days seem endless, the years fly by. My little girl is preparing to spread her wings and it feels as if just yesterday she took her first steps.
Currently, I have a young one who enjoys my company. The duration is uncertain, so I find myself needing to spend more time at home for now.
In my own words, here’s an update for you at 10: I’m moving on, but let me share some exciting tidbits! Firstly, the individual stepping into my role is not just incredibly funny, but also exceptionally intelligent – a true gem among the global population.
“Every Saturday at 10, you can enjoy listening to him! You might want to consider this as a delightful pre-Christmas surprise.
‘The one and only Romesh Ranganathan is going to be here from April and he is majestic.
2. The second positive update is that my bosses have granted me permission to enjoy a significant amount of this activity before I depart in March, and I make no apologies for it.
In that very same week, popular BBC radio host Andrew Peach decided to retire from his position at the corporation, having served for an impressive 31 years.
For eighteen years, the star presented BBC Radio Berkshire’s morning program, affectionately known as The Peach Show, after working in other roles within the BBC.
He worked on a number of high profile stories, including the coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and also interviewed Prime Minister Teresa May.
Pondering over his professional journey, Andrew shared: ‘I’ve worked from Washington, Prague, and Dusseldorf – while also experiencing the highs and lows of being a Reading FC supporter, including numerous play-off final losses and our ascent to the Premier League in 2006.’
Working on this job has truly been an immense honor. Beyond being just broadcasts, these daily radio programs are primarily about fostering connections. They represent a genuine, heartfelt bond between us and our listeners…
We’ve opted for daily, monthly, and yearly interactions, building a bond that grows stronger over time. This connection is invaluable, and I can foresee the emptiness of its absence with great sadness…
The initiative has fostered unity among people, exerted needed influence in certain areas, and occasioned improvements now and then by instigating change for the better.
Even though it’s now time for me to seek out fresh mountain peaks to conquer, I remain deeply appreciative for the over three decades I’ve spent living my dream by working in this incredible role.
Ken Bruce also jumped ship from the BBC after 45 years for commercial rival Greatest Hits Radio, declaring: ‘I’ve done everything it is possible to do at Radio 2’.
In 1986, the Scottish broadcaster made his debut on the weekday mid-morning show he’s been hosting since then, with a brief hiatus from 1990 to 1992. His first encounter with the corporation was back in 1977, and recently, he felt it was the perfect moment for him to leave this position.
In January, he announced to his 9 million audience that he was moving on, emphasizing that this wasn’t retirement, but a transition into commercial radio, where he plans to continue hosting the popular PopMaster quiz.
However, by September 2023, Ken disclosed that he chose to leave his position earlier rather than becoming ‘disgruntled and firmly established’. He expressed, “I had been at it for a while, and I felt I was repeating the same routine daily.
I found myself struggling to express the same level of excitement for the new music I’ve been playing as I did with the old. I didn’t want to end up criticizing certain pieces or feigning appreciation for them.
He added: ‘I certainly did think I’ve got a bit more to offer. I didn’t want to be declining over the next three or four years and still doing the same show, but everybody around me getting younger and thinking, “Am I the old bloke in the corner here?”
Initially, I was the youngest person at the station, but surprisingly fast, I found myself as a veteran. I didn’t want to turn into the grumpy old man in the corner complaining about how things aren’t like they used to be, or dismissing every new idea with “We already tried that, it failed.” This kind of attitude can make one more bitter and stuck in their ways.
Later on, Ken asserted that BBC managers ended his contract prematurely, as he had planned to continue working till the end of March 2023, but instead, his last program was aired on March 3rd.
As a die-hard fan, I can hardly contain my excitement as I prepare for your final show on Radio 2 this coming Friday! Originally, I was looking forward to catching you until the end of March, but it seems that the BBC has other plans and wants you off the air earlier. Regardless, let’s make the most of the remaining days and cherish every moment together on-air! Here’s to a fantastic week ahead!
Responding to this, the BBC representative informed TopMob that Ken chose to depart from Radio 2, and it had long been understood that his departure was scheduled for March.
After a month of hosting the Piano Room sessions at Maida Vale, taking a break by going back to Wogan House for a week felt quite organic. Here’s to Ken and his bright future ahead!
Initially, when Ken was no longer there, Vernon Kay took over his position; however, during the first three months, the show lost approximately 1.4 million listeners.
Frequently, listeners of BBC Radio have voiced concerns about age discrimination, as in recent years, veterans like Paul O’Grady, Steve Wright, Graham Norton, and Simon Mayo have departed, only to be succeeded by a more youthful team.
Prior to his untimely passing, O’Grady confessed: “Radio 2 is no longer the same as it used to be. They’re attempting to cater to a significantly younger demographic, but that strategy seems illogical since there’s already Radio 1.
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2024-10-07 11:36