ANOTHER BBC presenter has decided to retire from the corporation after 50 years on air.
The legendary host left his listeners completely stunned after he made a heartwarming announcement mid-show.
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Johnnie Walker has announced his retirement from his two shows on BBC Radio 2 Credits: Rex
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First joined a publicly funded corporation in 1969. Credit: BBC
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He has hosted many programs on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2 and BBC 5Live Credits: PA: Press Association
Johnnie Walker, 79, was a regular on BBC Radio 2 to present Sounds of the 70s and also fronted The Rock Show.
But he has just announced that he will be stepping down from both of his shows on the network in a touching message to his listeners.
First, he read a letter sent by a fan, whose father loved the series but died in 2022.
This was because he had pulmonary fibrosis, the same condition as Johnnie.
The legendary DJ then told his listeners: “That brings me to a very sad announcement.
“The struggles I had while working on the show and trying to maintain a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 became increasingly difficult, hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy.
“So I had to make the decision that I had to bring my career to an end after 58 years.”
Johnnie then told the audience exactly when his last show would be on the air.
“I’ll be doing my last Sounds of the 70s on October 27, so I’ll make the last three shows as good as possible,” he admitted.
“Now this week in 1978, the Rolling Stones were special guests on the American TV show Saturday Night Live and appeared in several sketches and performed three songs from their last album, Some Girls.
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He added: “One of the songs on the album feels quite appropriate at the moment,” before going on to play The Rolling Stones’ hit Miss You.
Johnnie then continued: “By the way, I can also reveal not only my final Sounds of the 70s, but the person taking over the show will be the one and only Bob Harris.
“Bob Harris will be in charge of Sounds of the 70s from November 3rd.”
1966 was the year Johnnie first began his radio career when he appeared on the offshore pirate station, Swinging Radio England.
The struggles I had doing the show and trying to maintain a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 were becoming more and more difficult
Johnnie Walker BBC Radio 2
He then became a household name hosting a popular late-night show on Radio Caroline.
The star then joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and continued until 1976, becoming known for his music-centric approach.
He regularly impressed listeners when he prioritized songs over on-air talk.
His edition of the lunchtime show was launched in 1971, where big names such as Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles were promoted on air for the first time.
BBC departures and returns
In 1976 he decided to leave the BBC to go to California and work in San Francisco.
He returned to Blighty in the early 80s, before returning to Radio 1 in 1987 with The Stereo Sequence.
This was in addition to his work on BBC Radio 5 Live and various shows on the new local station BBC GLR in London.
Johnnie joined Radio 2 in 1997 to present documentaries and replace other shows in the schedule.
I had to make the decision that I had to end my career after 58 years.”
Johnnie Walker BBC Radio 2
A year later, he was given a Saturday afternoon show, before appearing and introducing the 5-7pm drive time in 1999.
He became synonymous with his great musical knowledge, which he acquired through 30 years of experience.
One famous moment included the heartbreaking moment when he broke the news of his cancer diagnosis to an audience in June 2003.
After taking a break from the program, he returned in March 2004 with Eric Clapton’s hit, ‘Hello Old Friend’.
He decided to retire from Drivetime in 2006 to host the network’s new Sunday show, while filling in for Terry Wogan on the breakfast show.
The star was also the voice of various specials and was later awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting.
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He currently hosts two programs for BBC Radio 2 Credits: BBC
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Johnnie announced his departure from the series after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis Credit: Rex
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The popular DJ first started his career in 1966 and became a famous host of the night show on Radio Caroline Credits: Rex
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Johnnie became known on air for his music-centric approach where he favored songs over talkCredit: BBC
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