Liza Tarbuck Quits BBC Radio 2 After 14 Years
Liza Tarbuck leaves BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 presenter Liza Tarbuck has officially announced she is stepping down from her popular Saturday evening slot after fourteen years with the station. Tarbuck, who has hosted the 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM program since 2012, shared the news through a heartfelt social media post on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. In her message, she expressed deep gratitude to her loyal audience, remarking that the show had been the “stuff of dreams” and comparing the listener experience to a “private members club” where thousands of people enjoyed each other’s company like great friends. According to official reports, the presenter admitted she had effectively “sneaked out” of the slot, which has been filled by guest presenters in recent weeks.
The news of her departure has sparked an outpouring of emotion from both listeners and colleagues who have long appreciated her eclectic musical taste and warm, conversational style. Helen Thomas, the Head of Radio 2, praised Tarbuck for creating a “truly magical, fantastical world” every Saturday night and emphasized that the station’s door would always remain open for her. Fellow broadcasters, including Rylan Clark and Shaun Keaveny, also paid tribute to her influence on the airwaves. Keaveny, who has been sitting in for Tarbuck recently, described her as a “hero” and placed her among the greats of British radio broadcasting.
As the BBC begins its search for a permanent replacement, Shaun Keaveny is scheduled to continue presenting the Saturday evening slot through the end of March. Tarbuck’s exit marks the end of a significant era for the station’s weekend lineup, as she was known for her “entertaining listener tales” and a hand-picked soundtrack that became a staple for many households. While her future projects have not yet been disclosed, Tarbuck’s farewell emphasized that it had been a “privilege” to be part of her listeners’ lives for over a decade. Fans have taken to various platforms to express their disappointment, with many describing her show as an essential part of their weekly routine.
