Liza Tarbuck leaving BBC Radio 2 Saturday show as fans left devastated

Liza Tarbuck has announced she is leaving BBC Radio 2, with the presenter sharing a heartfelt message as she confirmed she had ‘sneaked out’ of her Saturday evening radio slot

Another radio presenter has departed the BBC – and delivered a touching message to listeners. Liza Tarbuck had been presenting the Saturday evening programme on BBC Radio 2 but had been absent in recent weeks.

Shaun Keavney has stood in for Liza for several programmes now, with listeners concerned she might not return. It has now been announced that Liza won’t be resuming her programme with her permanent successor yet to be named.

Shaun will continue presenting the show until the end of March after Liza chose to stand down, reports the Mirror.

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Liza’s programmes were characterised as her “entertaining the nation with listener tales of the extraordinary and the everyday blended with an eclectic, hand picked soundtrack for the perfect Saturday evening”.

She shared a lengthy message to social media, where she revealed she had “sneaked out” from the BBC radio slot and said she was proud of how she and her listeners made two hours of radio feel like time at a private members club.

Liza said it felt like a “dream” to be alongside thousands of people who enjoyed each other’s company. She concluded her message by thanking fans for letting her in and said it had been a “privilege”.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “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.”

Fans were heartbroken to learn of her BBC departure and flocked to the comment section to express their dismay at her leaving. One wrote: “I can’t make this out entirely! ! Please don’t let it be what I think it is! ! You’re our Saturday evening saviour!”.

“Nooooo! This is terrible news! ! Your show is so part of my routine whilst cooking dinner or if not, listened to again (and again) during the week whilst at work. A tragedy. Your joyous chitchat and eclectic mix of beautiful music will be missed,” another added.

A third wrote: “Your show was a unique breath of fresh air. Saturdays evenings will never be the same without you Liza and the murm will be lost. Thank you for the time and effort you put into making each show a joy , the ONLY consolation is that we have our Liza T playlist to listen to,” with a fourth writing: “She ticks all my boxes. I will be genuinely gutted if Liza is leaving.”

A fifth chimed in: “I really hope this isn’t a goodbye forever Liza. Your Saturday shows have got me through some tough times. The amazing playlist you put together each week, the laughter, the funny stories and the togetherness of everyone who listened in. Sending you lots of love, I hope all is well in your world and hope to hear you on the airwaves keeping the murm in laughter.”