DJ Johnnie Walker completely housebound

[HannahinHampshire]

Did anyone hear Johnnie Walker and his wife Tiggy on the Jeremy Vine show today? Johnnie is now completely housebound and cared for 24/7 by Tiggy. Very moving interview, they’re obviously devoted to each other. I did think that Johnnie was sounding increasingly breathless on his Sunday shows, I wonder how long he’ll be able to carry on recording them.

Oh that's sad. I haven't listened to him for a long time, but I remember him from his Radio Caroline days, and then on Radio 1 when he did the lunchtime show, and used to read out the new chart every Tuesday.

Love Johnny Walkers radio shows, I listened to him and Tiggy today, I knew he was unwell but didn't realise how unwell he is.
They are a devoted couple.

I was in bits listening to them both on Jeremy Vine today. He is my favourite DJ... totally knows his stuff and is a pleasure to listen to.

Aw, I didn't hear this. I hardly ever listen to R2 these days but I love realising that I'm in the car at the right time to put Johnny Walker on! I heard a bit of him on Sunday and was thinking he sounded old but still completely on the ball, doing a great job. I love listening to him otherwise musicians - he knows his stuff so well and you can tell how much they respect him.

I’ve just read this in the news, so sad. He has a lovely soothing voice and knows his stuff.
I always enjoyed his drivetime show on R2 when driving home from work in the old days with guest speakers and the mystery voice.

I listen to Sounds of the 70s and the Rock show on my walk to work. He will be really missed.

Gosh my entire mid life was lived to the sound of Jonny walker. I'm sad to read this.

I’ve met both him and Tiggy, and they are lovely, and devoted to each other. He’s a proper gent, and also fun.

He has started sounding "old" on his show I love his show - reminds me of my Dad who always listened to Johnny W. The show is unique on Radio 2.

I used to love all the 'oldies' on R2. I adored Sir Terry, loved Ken Bruce, Steve Wright, Simon Mayo as well as Johnny. I'm just the mid 40s demographic they are supposed to be aiming for now with all the changes and I can't stand most of it! Hardly ever listen these days

@MrsDeaconClaybourne yes to all those and also Jimmy Young mid day and Derek and Ellen Jameson who had a late night slot at bed time. Also loved Sarah Kennedy on the early slot before Terry Wogan came on.
As a child I listened, as my parents always had it on, through my teens and every decade until my mid 50s so surely that proves it was suitable for everyone. Can’t understand why they changed it, I no longer listen and was sad to leave it after being a listener all my life.

I'd forgotten about Sarah. I used to have a long, early commute years ago and she kept me going with the dawn patrol

Aah, I love Johnnie and Tiggy, his radio show is great. It was so sweet when she co-presented with him over lockdown and he presented her as “Tiggy Stardust”. 🥲I’ll be thinking of them both and wishing them both well.

Very sorry to hear this. I listen to Sound of the 70s every week with great enjoyment. Johnnie has been sounding a lot older recently. It will be a very sad day when he isn't able to do it any more. (Bob Harris is a very good stand in, but hasn't done it for a while now. Hope he's OK.)

There are some great programmes with Johnnie from the recent anniversary of the pirate ships which are really well worth listening to.

Clash of the Pirates - Tony Blackburn and Johnnie Walker in conversation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hlvhq2

Walker on Walker: long chatty programme where he reviews his whole life to date.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001xnld

Just caught up with the Jeremy Vine interview with Tiggy and Johnnie. So, so sad. I hadn't realised how bad things had got. It's here, just after the halfway point, for about half an hour, and then a phone in. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001zwlj

My Mum (91) has pulmonary fibrosis, but nothing like as bad as that yet (fortunately). Johnnie's on oxygen all the time and in a wheelchair. Amazing he can work at all but I suppose it's keeping him going.

I used to listen to Sarah Kennedy when I was a child on my own in my bedroom. I loved all the old music. All my classmates were listening to 90s stuff but I loved the stuff she played.

@garlictwist @MrsDeaconClaybourne do you remember Sarah Kennedy playing Big Panty Woman? It was number 1 in the Cayman Islands in 1998 and she used to play it all the time. A jolly melody, It was the highlight of my morning, I’d always wait to hear it and sing along 😁

I do! She used to say 'have you got a leg in a pant yet?' as well. She made me laugh a lot

I used to listen to him on Radio Caroline, on my,little tranny under the bedclothes. showing my age here’s, he always played a Percy Sledge, 'Letl me wrap you in my warm and tender love' at 10.30 each night. Oh, those teenage dreams!

I used to listen to him on Radio Caroline, on my,little tranny under the bedclothes. showing my age here

Do you remember when people used to drive down and park on the seafront at Frinton, where they could be seen from the ship, and flash their headlights on and off when Johnnie told them to?

it was very emotional, but he is still recording which is good

Johnnie’s just said his last show will be Sunday 27 October. Bob Harris will be taking over. A good replacement, I think, but will be sad to see Johnnie go.

Agree, I will be so sorry to hear Johnnie go. He's done incredibly well these last few months and good for the BBC and his production company for making it possible.

Thank goodness it's Whispering Bob taking over. He's been a good stand in in the past and he's another one who knows his stuff and lets the music speak for itself.

Johnnie Walker to step down from presenting Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show and announces his final shows on Radio 2 (bbc.co.uk)