Key Points
- Tarbuck departs Radio 2's Saturday evening slot after 14 years, citing a wish to reclaim her weekends.
- BBC lauded her "magical, fantastical" Saturday-night atmosphere, saying she will be greatly missed.
- Shaun Keaveny covers the slot until March; BBC will announce longer-term plans soon.
Why This Matters
Why this matters: Liza Tarbuck’s departure ends a 14-year era that shaped BBC Radio 2’s Saturday evenings, disrupting a beloved communal listening experience, prompting questions about the show’s future tone and listeners’ access to archives they cherish.
LIZA Tarbuck is stepping away from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday evening show after 14 years on air.
The comedian and actress, who has hosted the 6pm to 8pm slot since 2012, shared the news with fans on Instagram and said she wants her weekends back.
In her farewell message, Tarbuck reflected warmly on the show’s community spirit, saying, “We made 2 hrs of radio feel like a private members club, that’s the stuff of dreams.
“Thousands of people enjoyed each other’s company like great friends. Thank you for letting me in, it’s been a privilege.”
BBC Radio 2 paid tribute to the longtime host, with head of station Helen Thomas praising the unique atmosphere Tarbuck brought to Saturday nights. Thomas said Tarbuck created a “magical, fantastical world” each week and added that she will be hugely missed.
Shaun Keaveny will take over the slot until the end of March, with BBC Radio 2 expected to announce longer-term plans soon.
Fans quickly reacted to the news online, with many sharing their disappointment and celebrating Tarbuck’s run on the station. Some also called for her past shows to remain available on BBC Sounds so listeners can keep revisiting her much-loved broadcasts.
Why They Are Trending
Liza Tarbuck: quitting her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show after 14 years, freeing up weekends. Shaun Keaveny: temporarily stepping in to present the slot until March. Shaun Thomas: not mentioned—maybe you meant Helen Thomas, who praised Tarbuck.
