David Jacobs quitting Radio 2 show because of ill health

Broadcasting veteran David Jacobs is to step down from his weekly BBC Radio 2 show after a career stretching back almost seven decades.

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 – said he hoped to host occasional shows later in the year.

Jacobs has hosted his current show for 16 years.

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.”