Sir Jimmy Young returns to BBC Radio 2

Sir Jimmy Young is heading back to Western House for a special one-off programme on BBC Radio 2.

He’ll be teamed up with his friend and former colleague Ken Bruce for Sir Jimmy Young At 90, a one-hour show in celebration of his 90th birthday.

The special, which will air on Tuesday 20th September at 10pm, looks back over his extraordinary career spanning the decades of his life with Sir Jimmy reminiscing about his childhood, RAF days and how he became the first British singer to have two consecutive No. 1 and all before his broadcasting career had even begun. He went on to broadcast the JY programme on BBC radio for an incredible 35 years.

On coming back to Radio 2 Sir Jimmy says: “It’s great to be making a programme for Radio 2 – especially with my mate Ken Bruce.”

Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce says: “To be reunited with Sir Jimmy is a pleasure and a privilege. He’s a fantastic broadcaster with an amazing story. He’s also a great friend, so much so I even bought a car from him! Having him back at Radio 2, if only for an hour, is a treat for us all.”

Bob Shennan, Controller, BBC Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music says: “On behalf of everyone at Radio 2 I’d like to welcome Sir Jimmy, one of the most loved radio presenters of modern times, back to the network.”

Sir Jimmy Young made his debut on BBC Radio in 1949 and went on to present Housewives’ Choice in 1960. He then broadcast on Radio Luxembourg for several years, as well as broadcasting regularly on the Light Programme, before becoming part of the original presenting team which launched Radio 1 in 1967.

Sir Jimmy joined Radio 2 in 1973 where he presented his weekday current affairs show. He interviewed every serving British Prime Minister during his time on air, from Sir Alec Douglas-Home to Tony Blair, as well as a host of world statesmen including Australian PM – Bob Hawke and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, until he left the show in 2002.