Emma Barnett is reportedly set to quit Radio 4’s Today programme, in yet another blow for the news programme following Amol Rajan’s exit last week.
The former Woman’s Hour host, 41, joined Today in March 2024, but is now reported to be moving on within the BBC, where she is said to be in talks to front a new current affairs podcast.
Sources told The i Paper that an official confirmation of her departure will come in the weeks ahead.
When approached for comment, a BBC spokesperson told The Independent that “there’s always rumour and speculation about Today and its presenters”.
Barnett’s exit will come on the tale of the departure of Rajan, who hosted his last show in five years on 2 September as he left to set up his own production company.
Speaking to Today listeners for the last time alongside Barnett, Rajan – who currently hosts University Challenge and was the editor of The Independent – admitted that he was “feeling really nervous”.
“Not to try and turn the tables and interview you, but do you think I’ve made a terrible mistake?” he asked Barnett, before paying tribute to his co-host among others in his final speech.
“After more than 1,000 hours, hundreds of pips, a few crashes, it is time to say goodbye,” Rajan told listeners. ”It has been such an honour sitting in this studio with you Emma, with all the presenters but above all, with the amazing team behind the glass.
“There was one hero who seemed ever present when I was growing up and who I have perhaps had, or may yet have, a little more success in following. It was with the spirit of Del Boy that I turned up at this great and noble institution, and it is to the spirit of Del Boy I return.”
It was first suggested that Barnett could follow her co-host back in January, when The Observer reported that one week after Rajan had announced his departure, Barnett was ”discussing her next move” with BBC executives.
While the BBC previously announced that would not be replacing Rajan as part of the corporation’s widely publicised cost-saving drive, Barnett’s exit would mean just presenters Anna Foster, Nick Robinson and Justin Webb remain on Today.
Her time presenting would also be one of the shortest stints on the news programme – which first aired in 1957 – and leave a spot for the BBC to fill.
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