BBC Radio 2 presenter David Jacobs to retire aged 87 for health reasons

BBC Radio 2 presenter David Jacobs to retire aged 87 for health reasons

The 87-year-old has announced he is to leave his regular Sunday show for health reasons after a final edition next month.

He has been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and has been treated for liver cancer which has kept him off air for some time during the past two years and he said it was with “sadness” that he had decided to stop.

But the presenter - whose hour-long David Jacobs Collection programme is broadcast on Sunday nights â€" insisted he hoped to host occasional shows later in the year.

Jacobs has hosted his current show for 16 years and before that had a daily show on Radio 2.

David with Terry Wogan: The 87-year-old has been described as a unique broadcaster

 

In a statement, Jacobs said: “Over the past two years Radio 2 has given me time to be treated for liver cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. My Producer, Alan Boyd, has been a tower of strength in so many ways and I thank him profusely.

“We shared a love of so many records and wonderful music. I will not stop collecting but my sadness will be that I cannot share them with all my loyal listeners. But rest assured, I will be back from time to time.”

Earlier in his career Jacobs was one of the original hosts of Top of The Pops in 1964 and hosted Jukebox Jury from 1959 to 1967.

Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said: “It’s a word that is overused, but David Jacobs is truly a unique broadcaster.

“He has been an integral part of the BBC for so many years and is loved by his listeners and Radio 2 colleagues alike. Since 1998 he has embodied the sound of Sunday evenings and I am already looking forward to his special programmes later in the year.”

Born in 1926, David joined the Royal Navy after leaving school. It was during this time that he made his first broadcast on a programme called Navy Mixture. When demobilised after the war, he joined the BBC as an announcer and newsreader.

In a long and illustrious broadcasting career, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the rare honour of being admitted to Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005. And in 1996 David was honoured with a CBE.

David was voted Britain’s Top Disc Jockey for six years, both for the BBC and Radio Luxembourg. He was the Variety Club of Great Britain TV Personality of the Year in 1960 and BBC Radio Personality of the Year in 1975. In 1984, he received the Sony Gold Award for his outstanding contribution to radio over the years and was subsequently admitted to the Sony Hall of Fame. He has also received the Richard Martin Award for exceptional service in the cause of animal welfare and is well known for h is devotion to charitable causes.