Johnnie Walker has announced that he is leaving the BBC after 50 years of radio.
The 79-year-old often took to BBC Radio 2 to present the Sounds of the 70s show and he also fronted The Rock Show. In an emotional announcement, live on air, Johnnie told listeners that he would be stepping down from both roles.
After reading out a letter that was sent in by one of the fans, whose father loved the show but died in 2022, Johnnie sadly explained: “Now, that leads me to be making a very sad announcement.
The struggles I’ve had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult, hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy.
"So I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end after 58 years."
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The radio presenter was referring to his illness, pulmonary fibrosis - a disease where there is scarring of the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe.
Sharing when his last ever shows would be, the BBC legend continued: "I'll be doing my last Sounds of the 70s on the 27th of October, so I’ll make the last three shows as good as I possibly can."
Johnnie also shared that his replacement had already been decided, adding: "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.
Fans of the shows were absolutely devastated as they paid tribute to what a wonderful job Johnnie had done over the last five decades. On X/Twitter, one user wrote: "So very sad to hear that Johnnie Walker will be doing his last Sounds of the Seventies broadcast on 27 October. Thank you Johnnie for the best ever radio show, you have brightened up my Sundays and it won’t be the same without you…"
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Another added: "Sad to hear the legend that is Johnnie Walker is retiring due to ill health. Sounds of the Seventies is a joy of a show."
A third posted: "Sad to hear Johnnie Walker is leaving Sound of the 70's. I love how he embraces all the genres of that decade. A real professional. Wishing him all the best, and a big thank you."
Johnnie first began his career in radio back in 1966, when he appeared on the offshore pirate station Swinging Radio England. He then became a household name by hosting the popular night-time show on Radio Caroline.
He went on to join the BBC from 1969, working for BBC Radio 1 until 1976. 1997 saw Johnnie join Radio 2 to present documentaries and fill in for other shows across the schedule.
