BBC Radio 2 presenter Liza Tarbuck confirms she is stepping down after 14 years
Liza Tarbuck has announced she will step down from her BBC Radio 2 programme after hosting the Saturday evening slot for more than a decade. The presenter confirmed she will leave the station’s 6–8 pm Saturday show after 14 years behind the microphone. Tarbuck shared the news with listeners and followers on Wednesday, reflecting on the long-running programme and the community it created among audiences.
She described the experience as something special for both her and the thousands of listeners who tuned in each week.
“We made two hours of radio feel like a private members club, that’s the stuff of dreams,” Tarbuck said. Thousands of people enjoyed each other’s company like great friends. Thank you for letting me in; it’s been a privilege.”Her departure marks the end of one of Radio 2’s long-standing weekend shows, which she has hosted since 2012. During her time on air, Tarbuck built a loyal following, with the programme becoming a familiar part of the station’s Saturday evening schedule.
BBC Radio 2 paid tribute to the presenter following the announcement. Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, praised Tarbuck’s contribution to the station and the atmosphere she created during her broadcasts.“Every Saturday evening, Liza created a truly magical, fantastical world,” Thomas said.
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“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.”The station confirmed that fellow broadcaster Shaun Keaveny will present the Saturday slot until the end of March.
Tarbuck’s career in broadcasting and entertainment spans several decades. Born into a well-known entertainment family, she is the daughter of comedian Jimmy Tarbuck and his wife, Pauline.
Her early acting career began in the late 1980s.
She first gained widespread recognition in 1987 when she landed a starring role in the Liverpool-based television comedy series Watching, produced by Granada Television.
The role helped establish her presence on British television and opened the door to further acting opportunities.
Two years later, she appeared in Mens Sana in Thingummy Doodah, the first of a series of anthology comedy plays written by Victoria Wood.
The productions were part of a set of television comedies created by Wood and became known for their distinctive humour and storytelling.
Tarbuck also appeared in other television projects over the years, including a guest role in the comedy series Extras, created by Ricky Gervais.
Alongside her acting career, Tarbuck became a familiar voice on British radio, eventually joining BBC Radio 2 where she hosted her weekend show for more than a decade.
Over the years, the programme became known for its relaxed tone and conversational style, which encouraged listeners to feel part of the broadcast.
Although Tarbuck has now confirmed she is stepping away from the role, the BBC has suggested that her relationship with the station may not be over completely.
Helen Thomas said Radio 2’s “door will always be open” for the presenter.
For now, however, Tarbuck’s announcement marks the close of a long chapter in her broadcasting career and the end of a Saturday evening tradition for many Radio 2 listeners.