BBC presenter QUITS show after 14 years

By admin 13.03.2026 3 min read

Here is the English translation:

For many listeners, it came as a complete surprise. A voice that had been tied to warm Saturday evenings for years suddenly announced a departure, leaving behind a wave of sadness, shock, and emotional reactions. On social media, the news is already being called one of the most heartbreaking moments for British radio fans in recent times.

This presenter had become far more than just a person on air. Over the years, the show turned into a real ritual for thousands of people: a familiar voice, favorite music, an easy atmosphere, and the feeling that you were spending the evening among old friends. That is exactly why the farewell struck such a deep chord.

What made it even more affecting was the way the news was shared. There were no loud press releases or dramatic statements — just a short, almost playful goodbye that somehow felt deeply personal at the same time. It carried warmth, gratitude, and the sense that an entire era had quietly come to an end.

It was Liza Tarbuck, the BBC Radio 2 presenter, who announced that she was leaving her beloved Saturday show after many years on air. The 61-year-old actress, comedian, and broadcaster had hosted the 6–8pm slot since 2012 and built a huge and loyal following around her.

The reason behind her decision turned out to be simple and very human: Liza admitted that she wants her weekends back. She shared the news on Instagram, posting a handwritten note in which she hinted, in her own unmistakable style, that she had “slipped out” through an open door. At the same time, she sincerely thanked listeners for years of trust and for the special hours they had shared together week after week.

After her announcement, social media was flooded with reactions. Colleagues, friends, and well-known presenters all began writing that they could not imagine Saturday evenings without her voice. Many said her shows created that rare sense of comfort that is almost impossible to recreate.

Among those who reacted was Rylan Clark, who jokingly said that only Liza could leave behind such a mysterious handwritten farewell note. Actress Natalie Cassidy also did not hide her emotions, admitting that those two hours of radio had been a real joy for her, and that Saturdays would no longer feel the same.

Another BBC presenter, Jo Whiley, called the news terrible for the station’s fans and said she would now have to mentally readjust to Saturday evenings. Other colleagues echoed the same feeling, saying that Liza brought a unique kind of magic to the airwaves — something impossible to fake or replace with a simple management decision.

For now, Shaun Keaveny will step in to host the slot until the end of March, with the BBC expected to announce future plans later. But for many listeners, the most important thing has already happened: an era that lasted for years is coming to an end. And it seems they will not find it easy to accept.