Legendary BBC presenter to quit iconic show after 11 years
A LEGENDARY BBC presenter has reportedly quit their iconic show after 11 years.
Journalist Mishal Husain, 51, has hosted Radio 4’s Today show, which is on air Monday to Saturday between 6am to 9am, since 2013.
But according to The Times, Mishal stepped down from her role yesterday (Friday 22nd November).
Despite that, she will be on air until the start of 2025.
There was reportedly 18 months of discussion before the decision was made.
An insider told the publication: “After 11 years Mishal has reached the point where the 3.30am alarm call is no longer a welcome noise.”
“She is very highly thought of and there will be an extremely big effort to make sure she’s accommodated well elsewhere,” they added.
The Sun contacted Mishal’s rep and the BBC for comment.
The Today Programme has been on air since 1957.
It joined Radio 4 ten years later after being part of BBC Home Service.
Mishal presents the show alongside Emma Barnett, Justin Webb, Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson.
It discusses news and current affairs.
It comes after Mishal implied that she had thought about leaving.
She told The Sunday Times earlier this year: “I’m wondering what the next act of my career might look like.”
It’s not the only schedule shake-up that the BBC have announced recently.
Earlier this week Zoe Ball stepped down from the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show after six years.
She revealed that Scott Mills will be her replacement.
But Zoe said she will remain on BBC Radio 2 – teasing an announcement in the new year.
She said: “After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it’s time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family.”
Telling her listeners about her decision, she said: “I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.
“We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats.”
She added she would also miss her colleagues, saying they were “like family to me”.
The early morning presenter added: “But I won’t miss the 4am alarm call, if I’m completely honest.
“You know I love you all to bits.”