Liza Tarbuck Steps Down – Here's What Made Her Say Goodbye to BBC Radio 2

Liza Tarbuck has announced she will step down from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday evening programme after 14 years, ending a long-running voice that became a weekend favourite across the UK. Known for her warmth, humour and relaxed storytelling, Tarbuck thanked fans for their support and described the show as a space where music, conversation and connection came together each week. According to BBC News, her departure from the 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. slot marks a significant change for the station's weekend schedule and has prompted strong reactions online, with many listeners noting how the programme had become an essential and comforting part of their weekends.

Emotional Farewell as Liza Tarbuck Leaves BBC Radio 2 Saturday Programme

Tarbuck shared the news on social media, reflecting on the community that had grown around the programme.

In her message, she thanked listeners for their continued support and said the show had always felt like a gathering place where music, humour and stories brought people together. She described presenting the show as 'the stuff of dreams' and called hosting the weekly programme a privilege.

The announcement surprised many fans accustomed to hearing Tarbuck's voice on Saturday evenings. Social media quickly filled with messages praising her warmth and humour, with several saying the programme had become an essential part of their weekend routine. Many shared personal stories of listening with family or friends, illustrating the strong connection she built with her audience.

Saturday Evening BBC Radio 2 Show Became a Staple for Weekend Listeners

Tarbuck took over the BBC Radio 2 Saturday slot in 2012 and established it as one of the station's most distinctive weekend broadcasts.

Airing from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the programme combined music selections with relaxed conversation and storytelling, creating an atmosphere that engaged listeners rather than leaving them passive.

Over time, the show built a loyal audience returning weekly for its mix of music, humour and shared experiences. Tarbuck had already become a familiar voice on BBC Radio 2 after joining in 2007. Moving to the Saturday evening slot strengthened her connection with audiences and cemented her reputation as one of the broadcaster's most recognisable presenters.

BBC Colleagues Praise Tarbuck's Saturday Programme Style on BBC Radio 2

Following the announcement, senior BBC figures paid tribute to Tarbuck's contribution.

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, praised her distinctive style and the atmosphere she created on Saturday evenings. She said Tarbuck had built a unique space for listeners and would be greatly missed by audiences and colleagues. Fellow broadcasters also acknowledged her influence on the station's weekend programming, highlighting her ability to connect with audiences through humour and conversation. The programme's enduring popularity reflected her talent for creating a relaxed environment where listeners felt part of the show.

Radio 2 Confirms Temporary Host as Saturday Show Search Begins

BBC Radio 2 has confirmed that presenter Shaun Keaveny will cover the Saturday evening slot until the end of March. The station has not yet announced who will permanently replace Tarbuck, though further updates are expected in the coming weeks.

Her departure ends a 14-year run that turned the Saturday evening programme into a familiar and much-loved part of Radio 2's weekend schedule. Tarbuck cited a desire to focus on personal projects and new opportunities as the reason for stepping down. For many listeners, Tarbuck's voice will remain synonymous with the warmth, humour and music that defined countless Saturday nights.