Johnnie Walker, a Radio 2 DJ, has announced he will step down from his BBC music programmes due to health issues. Walker, who has been in broadcasting for 58 years, will leave his Sunday afternoon show, Sounds Of The 70s, and The Rock Show on Friday nights by the end of this month.
Walker suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that scars the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult. Earlier this year, he described his illness as “terminal” and “progressively worse.” On Sunday, during his Sounds Of The 70s show, the 79-year-old read a letter from a listener whose father had passed away in 2022 from the same condition. Following this, he shared his own news with listeners.
He expressed the increasing difficulty in maintaining a professional standard suitable for Radio 2, leading to his decision to end his career after 58 years. Walker announced that his last Sounds Of The 70s show will air on 27 October and promised to make the remaining episodes as good as possible.
🟦 CLEAN FEED | DJ Johnnie Walker told his Radio 2 listeners this afternoon that he will be retiring from broadcasting – after 58 years – later this month, due to ill health.
Johnnie has been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, a condition which makes breathing difficult. pic.twitter.com/0YFOwB3s5X
— The TV Room (@thetvroom) October 6, 2024
Walker began his radio career in 1966 at the offshore pirate station Swinging Radio England, then moved to Radio Caroline for the night-time show. After the station’s closure, he joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and stayed until 1976. He then went to San Francisco to record a weekly show for Radio Luxembourg before returning to the BBC in the early 1980s, where he has remained.
Walker’s final Rock Show will air on 25 October. Bob Harris will take over Sounds Of The 70s, and Shaun Keaveny will become the new presenter of The Rock Show.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Johnnie Walker steps down from Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show after 58 years, citing Pulmonary Fibrosis struggles and emotional farewell to millions of listeners.(read more)
- Gateway 97.8: Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker quits BBC shows due to terminal illness, highlighting his courageous decision and the tribute to his legacy in the UK radio community.(read more)
- Express.co.uk reports on Johnnie Walker’s health struggles with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, his reduced mobility, and emotional farewell from BBC Radio 2, highlighting his tireless dedication and wife Tiggy’s caregiving efforts.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Johnnie Walker quitting his BBC music programmes?
Johnnie Walker is quitting due to ill health, specifically pulmonary fibrosis.
What condition does Johnnie Walker have?
Johnnie Walker has pulmonary fibrosis, which makes breathing increasingly difficult.
When will Johnnie Walker’s last shows air?
His last Rock Show airs on 25 October, and Sounds Of The 70s on 27 October.
Who will replace Johnnie Walker on Sounds Of The 70s?
Bob Harris will replace Johnnie Walker on Sounds Of The 70s.
How long has Johnnie Walker been a broadcaster?
Johnnie has been a broadcaster for 58 years.
