BBC Radio 2 has announced significant changes to its weekend and evening schedules following the departure of veteran presenter Bob Harris, who is stepping down due to ill health.
Harris, who spent nearly 56 years with the station, is leaving his long-running programs "The Radio 2 Country Show" and "Sounds of the 70s."
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"I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again," Harris said.
His final episode of "Sounds of the 70s" aired on Sunday, March 8, followed by his last "Radio 2 Country Show" on Thursday, April 2.
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Broadcaster Shaun Keaveny will officially take over the Sunday afternoon slot for "Sounds of the 70s" while continuing to present the "Radio 2 Rock Show" on Friday nights.
"It's an honour but a mission," Keaveny said, adding that he intends to continue Harris's work on the network.
"You'll always be our Rock n Roll Doctor."
American musician Darius Rucker will remain as interim host for "The Radio 2 Country Show" on Thursday evenings.
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Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: "Bob is adored by the Radio 2 family and his listeners, and we are all going to miss him and his weekly shows very much."
The schedule adjustments also affect Saturday night programming, with several flagship music shows moving to new timeslots.
"Sounds of the 80s" with Gary Davies will air at 6 p. m.
, followed by Fearne Cotton's "Sounds of the 90s" at 8 p. m.
Vernon Kay will present "Dance Sounds of the 90s" at 10 p. m.
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, and Dermot O'Leary will conclude with "Alternative Sounds of the 90s" at 11 p. m.
