BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills has broken his silence following the shocking announcement that fellow broadcaster Liza Tarbuck has quit her long-running Saturday evening show with immediate effect. Tarbuck, who had hosted the 6pm to 8pm slot since 2012, revealed her departure in a surprise Instagram post, describing it as a 'French exit'—meaning she has already aired her final programme.
Scott Mills Shares Listener Tribute on Air
During his first broadcast since the news broke, Scott Mills addressed Tarbuck's exit on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show. He read out a message from a listener, stating: "Cheers for all your messages, this one says, 'Gutted about Liza she's a friend who visits our house every Saturday, my kids call her the crazy duck lady'. She will be missed." Mills' reaction adds to a wave of tributes from celebrities and fans mourning the end of an era on Radio 2.
Liza Tarbuck's Emotional Farewell Statement
In her Instagram announcement, Tarbuck expressed gratitude to her audience, writing: "We made 2 hrs of radio feel like a private members club, that's the stuff of dreams, thousands of people enjoying each others company like great friends. Imagine what else we could do. Thank you for letting me in, it's been a privilege." She signed off with a whimsical note: "[Tarbuck doffs a battered bowler hat & bows deeply] see you in the ice." Her show will be temporarily filled by Shaun Keaveny until the end of March.
Celebrity Reactions Flood Social Media
The news prompted an outpouring of sadness from fellow broadcasters and celebrities. Actress Lisa Faulkner commented: "I am so so sad. I LOVE your Saturday show. I love you. Saturday nights won’t be the same. You are amazing and will be very missed." Radio host 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. As a fan, I am bereft."
Presenter Rylan shared: "Of course you of all people would put a handwritten exit letter CROPPED so it’s like a game on the crystal maze to read . I’m gonna miss you so much. Genuinely." Former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy compared the loss to Beatles fans, saying: "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."
BBC Radio 2 Management Responds
Head of Radio 2 Helen Thomas released an official statement, praising Tarbuck's contribution: "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." Thomas concluded: "Liza will be hugely missed and we wish her the very best of luck for the future."
Tarbuck's departure marks a significant change for BBC Radio 2's Saturday lineup, ending a 14-year tenure that built a loyal following through her eclectic playlists and engaging style. The broadcaster's impact is evident in the widespread emotional responses from both the public and industry peers.
