David Jacobs to sign off from BBC Radio 2

The final David Jacobs Collection will be broadcast on Sunday 4th August as the 87 year old presenter steps down from his weekly show on Radio 2.

The legendary radio presenter has been hosting the Sunday night show since 1998 but will step back from regular presenting duties for health reasons.

But David’s not leaving completely, as future special programmes are planned for later in the year.

He 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.”

Bob Shennan, Controller of Radio 2, 6 Music and Asian Network, 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. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including 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 his devotion to charitable causes.

His many radio credits include Housewives Choice, Pick Of The Pops, Any Questions Any Answers? (ran for 17 years), Melodies For You (ran for 12 years), Journey Into Space, and a daily lunchtime programme on Radio 2.

His numerous television credits include Juke Box Jury, Saturday Night With David Jacobs, Come Dancing, What’s My Line?, and Eurovision Song Contest. David is also the author of Jacobs Ladder, the best-seller Caroline, and Any Questions? with Michael Bowen.

Details of the programme which will be broadcast from Sunday 11 August will be announced shortly.