Liza Tarbuck Announces Departure from BBC Radio 2 Saturday Show
BBC Radio 2 presenter Liza Tarbuck has left her devoted audience heartbroken this week with the sudden announcement that she is stepping down from her cherished Saturday evening programme. The English actress and comedian, aged 61, has hosted the station's 6-8pm slot since 2012, cultivating a massive and loyal following over her twelve-year tenure.
Emotional Handwritten Note Reveals Exit
Sharing the news on Wednesday via a handwritten Instagram post, Tarbuck wrote in her characteristically whimsical style: 'I think you've guessed, some fool left a door open & I sneaked out - a French exit! Together we made 2 hours of radio feel like a private member's club, that's the stuff of dreams, thousands of people enjoying each others company like great friends. Imagine what else we could do.' She concluded with a heartfelt thank you, signing off: 'Thank you for letting me in, it's been a privilege. [TARBUCK doffs a battered bowler hat & bows deeply] See you on the ice.'
Tarbuck cited a desire to reclaim her weekends as the primary reason for her departure, a decision that has dismayed both her famous colleagues and the show's extensive fanbase.
Colleagues and Friends Express Profound Sadness
The announcement prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from fellow broadcasters and celebrities. Saturday afternoon host Rylan Clark commented: 'I'm gonna miss you so much. Genuinely. I'm so lucky to have worked with you for so long. Thank you for making me cackle on and off air. I love you.'
EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy likened the loss to the end of an era, writing: 'What am I going to do though. The best two hours of radio in my life. This is what it must have felt like for Beatles fans when they were no more.' Weekday evening presenter Jo Whiley added: 'This is terrible news for us all. Just mentally trying to recalibrate my Saturday evenings... No-one cared more about their listeners than you, Liza.'
Further tributes came from actress and presenter Lisa Faulkner, who said: 'I am so so sad. I LOVE your Saturday show. I love you. Saturday nights won't be the same.' BBC Radio 2's Sally Traffic simply stated: 'Gonna miss my Saturday hug. And of course your Saturday brilliance.'
Replacement and Official Station Response
Radio 6 host Shaun Keaveny has been confirmed as the interim presenter for the slot until the end of March, with the BBC set to announce permanent plans at a later date. Keaveny paid his own tribute, noting: 'Liza, you stand among the greats. You're my hero shoulder to shoulder with Terry, Steve, all that lot. You did it best.'
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, issued an official statement: 'Every Saturday evening, Liza created a truly magical, fantastical world. She was beloved by everyone at the station and all her listeners, and the door at Radio 2 will always be open for her. Liza will be hugely missed and we wish her the very best of luck for the future.'
Listener Reactions Range from Devastation to Humour
Fans of the show expressed their devastation across social media, with comments highlighting the programme's unique appeal. One listener remarked: 'This should be discussed in Parliament. It's a national disaster,' while another said: 'Well THIS has broken my heart ……'
Others praised Tarbuck's distinctive style: 'Liza is the funniest and quirkiest presenter on Radio 2. Great taste in music. She ticks all my boxes. I will be genuinely gutted if Liza is leaving.' Many pleaded for her return or for archives of her shows to be made permanently available, with one fan stating: 'I'm bereft, I hold on to your show every week because, quite simply, it's the best thing on radio.'
The departure marks the end of a significant chapter for BBC Radio 2, leaving a void in its Saturday evening schedule that listeners and colleagues alike will find challenging to fill.
