Liza Tarbuck Steps Down from BBC Radio 2 After 14-Year Stint
In a move that has left listeners and colleagues reeling, beloved broadcaster Liza Tarbuck has announced her departure from BBC Radio 2, ending a remarkable 14-year tenure on the airwaves. The 61-year-old presenter confirmed she is stepping down from her cherished Saturday evening slot, candidly revealing her primary motivation: a simple desire to reclaim her weekends.
A Fond Farewell and a 'Private Members Club' Atmosphere
Tarbuck, whose show aired from 6pm to 8pm every Saturday since 2012, shared the news via a heartfelt handwritten note posted on Instagram. She poetically described her programme as feeling like a "private members club" and "the stuff of dreams." Reflecting on the connection forged with her audience, she wrote, "Thousands of people enjoyed each other’s company like great friends. Thank you for letting me in, it’s been a privilege."
Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas led the tributes, praising Tarbuck as "beloved by everyone at the station." Thomas emphasised the unique world Tarbuck created each week, stating, "Every Saturday evening, Liza created a truly magical, fantastical world. The door at Radio 2 will always be open for her." She added that Tarbuck would be "hugely missed" and wished her the best for the future.
Colleagues Express Heartfelt Sadness and Admiration
The announcement prompted an outpouring of support and sorrow from fellow Radio 2 personalities. Jo Whiley responded on Instagram, calling it "terrible news for us all" and admitting she was "mentally trying to recalibrate my Saturday evenings." Whiley lauded Tarbuck's dedication, asserting "no one cared more about their listeners" and describing her as "The broadcaster’s broadcaster."
Rylan shared his personal grief, writing, "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." Meanwhile, Shaun Keaveny, who will temporarily fill the slot until the end of March, placed Tarbuck among radio legends, stating she "stands among the greats" and is "shoulder to shoulder with Terry [Wogan], Steve [Wright], all that lot. You did it best." The BBC confirmed a permanent replacement will be announced in due course.
Tarbuck's Career and Radio 2's Evolving Landscape
Liza Tarbuck, daughter of comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, began her career in 1987 with a role in the comedy series Watching. She later took over from Kelly Brook as host of The Big Breakfast in 1999, presenting alongside Johnny Vaughn for a year. Her acting portfolio includes appearances in Extras, French & Saunders, and the Charles Dickens adaptation Bleak House.
Her exit marks another significant change for Radio 2, which has seen several high-profile departures in recent years. Notable exits include:
- Zoe Ball, who left the breakfast show in December 2024 after five years, citing exhaustion from 4am starts. She was replaced by Scott Mills and later returned for a Saturday afternoon slot before departing again in December 2025, with Emma Willis taking over.
- Ken Bruce, the veteran host who presented the 9.30am to midday show for over three decades, departed in March 2023 for Greatest Hits Radio. Vernon Kay succeeded him in the BBC slot.
- Other DJs like Simon Mayo, Graham Norton, and the late Paul O'Grady have also stepped away from their programmes in the last six years.
Despite these changes and listener dips following Ball and Bruce's departures, Radio 2 maintains its position as the UK's most popular radio station, boasting an impressive 12.8 million weekly listeners. Tarbuck's departure underscores the ongoing evolution of the station's lineup, as it continues to adapt while retaining its massive audience.
