Liza Tarbuck, the popular host of BBC Radio 2’s Saturday evening program, announced her departure on Wednesday, leaving many listeners saddened by the news.
The 61-year-old English actress and comedian has hosted the Radio 2 show from 6 to 8 pm since 2012, gaining a large and dedicated following.
Liza has chosen to leave her presenting role so she can have her weekends free, which her fellow celebrities are sad to hear.
Liza announced her elopement on Instagram Wednesday with a handwritten note, playfully explaining she’d run off secretly – making a ‘French exit’!
It felt amazing to create a radio show where, for two hours, listeners felt like they were part of a close, friendly community. Seeing so many people connect and enjoy themselves like old friends was a dream come true, and it makes me excited to think about what we could accomplish next.
Thanks for having me, it’s been a real honor. Tarbuck tips his old hat and bows low, then says, “See you on the ice.”
Shaun Keaveny from Radio 6 will be filling in as the presenter until the end of March. The BBC will share details about the long-term plans for the show later on.
Liza received many supportive comments from both her coworkers and friends, including a message from her friend Rylan Clark, who often hosted her on Saturday afternoons.
It figures you’d post a picture of my handwritten resignation letter, but cut off so it’s hard to read – like some kind of puzzle!
I’m really going to miss you. It’s been such a pleasure working with you all this time, and I’m so grateful for it. Thanks for all the laughs, both on and off the air! Sending you lots of love. ❤️
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy expressed her sadness, saying she doesn’t know what she’ll do without the show. She called it the best two hours of radio she’d ever experienced, comparing the feeling to how Beatles fans must have felt when the band broke up. She hopes she’ll be able to enjoy the show’s content in some other way.
Thanks so much for joining my Saturday tea breaks over the years. I really hope all twelve years of shows are archived on @bbsounds, so I can still feel like you’re there. You were amazing!
Jo Whiley, a presenter on BBC Radio 2, expressed her sadness at the news, saying she’s still trying to process how her weekends will be different now.
I’ve always cherished our moments in the garden – me tending to the roses while you played your amazing and varied music, filling the air with good energy. You truly had a gift for connecting with people through music, Liza.
I’m really heartbroken as a fan. Thank you, LT, for all the music, conversations, and for always showing love and support. You were truly a broadcaster’s broadcaster – sending you lots of love! ❤️
Lisa Faulkner, an actress and TV presenter, shared her sadness, expressing her strong affection for the Saturday show and the people involved.
‘Saturday nights won’t be the same. You are amazing and will be very missed ❤️.’
Radio 2 host Sally Traffic shared a heartfelt goodbye, saying she’ll miss the warmth and connection she felt with listeners every Saturday, and that she appreciates their support. She ended with a message of affection.
Shaun, who took over from Liza, also shared a heartfelt message, saying Liza was one of the best and a true inspiration, ranking her alongside legends like Terry and Steve. He emphasized that she excelled at what she did.
I’ve hidden my old hat under the table, hoping you’ll share more of your wonderful radio performances. Sending you all my love! xxx
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, expressed sadness about Liza’s departure, saying she consistently created a wonderful and imaginative atmosphere every Saturday evening. She was greatly appreciated by both the Radio 2 team and her audience, and she’s always welcome back at the station.
‘Liza will be hugely missed and we wish her the very best of luck for the future.’
People expressed their heartbreak online, with many calling for the issue to be debated in Parliament and describing it as a national disaster.
This would be terrible! Liza is a really funny and unique presenter on Radio 2, and I love her music choices. I’d be truly upset if she left.
‘Nooooooo!!!!! You were the only DJ I tuned into R2 for!!! Please pop up somewhere else xxx’;
Okay, so I’m hearing Liza might be moving on, and honestly, as someone who loves a good podcast, I’m already thinking about how we’ll all get through this! I’m really hoping BBC Sounds will make all of her shows permanently available – it’s the only way I can see myself coping without new episodes! It would be amazing to be able to revisit them whenever we need a little Liza in our lives.
‘Absolutely gutted. We await your return somewhere somehow with bated breath. You are loved ❤️,’;
I’m really going to miss your show if it ends. It’s honestly the best thing on the radio, and I truly hope you continue doing it. You make it something special.
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2026-03-12 03:19