BBC Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker announced that he would retire from radio after 58 years on the air.

Walker, confirmed his retirement while speaking on the latest Sounds of the 70s show on Sunday, October 6.

The 79-year-old told listeners he would be stepping down from the Sunday afternoon show and The Rock Show.

Walker told listeners: "The struggles I’ve had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult, hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy, so I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end after 58 years.

"And so I’ll be doing my last Sounds Of The 70s on October 27, so I’ll make the last three shows as good as I possibly can.

"Now this week in 1978, the Rolling Stones were special guests on America’s Saturday Night Live TV show and they appeared in a couple of sketches and performed three tracks from their latest album, Some Girls.

"Well, one of the tracks on the album seems quite suitable at the moment."

Ending his speech, Walker then played the Rolling Stones’s 1978 single Miss You.

Who is replacing Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2?

After playing the Rolling Stones hit, Walker confirmed which DJ would take over as the host of Sounds of The 70s.

Former Old Grey Whistle Test presenter Bob Harris will step into the role, as Walker said: "And by the way, I can also reveal not only my last Sounds Of The 70s, but the person taking over the show will be the one and only Bob Harris, so Bob Harris will be in charge of Sounds Of The 70s from November 3."

Walker also hosts the BBC Radio 2 show The Rock Show, which will have new host Shaun Keaveny take over on November 1.

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BBC Radio 2's Johnnie Walker calls quits on 58 year career in 'sad announcement'

When does Johnnie Walker leave BBC Radio 2?

Walker's last shows on BBC Radio 2 will air on Friday, October 25 at 11pm for The Rock Show and on Sunday, October 25 from 3pm for his final Sounds of the 70s.

A special Sounds Of The 70s box-set collection on BBC Sounds will allow listeners to enjoy a selection of Walker’s best moments following the announcement.