Terminally ill BBC Radio 2 DJ shares ‘sad’ news with listeners
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Johnnie Walker, the BBC DJ who is facing a terminal illness, has made a poignant announcement to his audience.
Walker has been with the BBC since 1969. He started his journey at Radio 1 before shifting to Radio 2 in 1998. Currently, he presents Sounds of the 70s and The Radio 2 Rock Show.
Despite previously receiving a warning that he should be ready for the worst at any time, the DJ has announced that he will be retiring at the end of October because of his deteriorating health.
Walker, 79, delivered a heartfelt message during a live broadcast on Sunday, October 6, while hosting the latest episode of Sounds of the 70s. He opened up to his audience, mentioning, "It has become increasingly challenging for me to manage the show and maintain the level of professionalism expected at Radio 2."
"I've come to the conclusion that it's time for me to wrap up my career after 58 years. My final Sounds of the 70s broadcast will take place on October 27."
Walker mentioned that he plans to do everything he can to make the final three performances exceptional.
In June, the DJ mentioned that hosting his well-loved radio show was vital to his well-being. He expressed, "As long as I'm able to keep doing the show, I will. It gives my life meaning. If I were to stop, I think I might not be around much longer."
After Walker was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes lung inflammation, he has been broadcasting his radio shows from his home in Dorset.
Walker requires constant care, and his wife, Tiggy, is providing full-time support for him.
The couple shared details about Walker's terminal illness during an episode of their podcast, Walker and Walker: Johnnie and Tiggy, on BBC Sounds. This discussion took place in June as part of the Carers Week celebrations.
In the special, the DJ talked about having “a limited time remaining in this life before I move on,” describing it as “a deeply introspective period for all of us.”
Walker, who was looked after by Tiggy after his cancer diagnosis just after their wedding in 2006, told his wife, “As I reach the end of my life, you find yourself having to care for me once more.”
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He remarked about Tiggy: “You truly saved my life during my battle with cancer. I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten through it without you. Your love provided me with incredible support and something to look forward to. Your kindness and care continue to improve my life every day.”
Tiggy shared that she needed support to cope with the loss of their life together. She mentioned, "I've managed to keep going only by visiting doctors and taking antidepressants because I found myself crying every day and feeling completely overwhelmed."
She remembered how a consultant informed the couple that Johnny needed to "be ready for anything," while also mentioning, "On the other hand, you could have six more months."
Tiggy mentioned that she couldn't help but wonder to herself, "Wow, how am I going to maintain this level of compassion for six months?" She realized that it all came down to her own energy, acknowledging that providing care is truly challenging.
Walker mentioned that at nighttime, Tiggy warmly assists him in getting into bed and shares a sweet kiss goodnight. After that, she must worry about whether he will still be alive in the morning, which likely weighs heavily on her.
Walker was employed at Radio 1 from 1969 to 1976. His time there came to an end after he had a disagreement with his bosses over his comments referring to the popular band The Bay City Rollers as "musical garbage."
He was away from the station for 11 years before making his comeback to host his Saturday afternoon program, The Stereo Sequence.
