Liza Tarbuck has said that the BBC “can’t live off reputation forever” as she reflected on the string of high profile presenters recently departing Radio 2.
Earlier this year, the beloved presenter, 61, brought to an end her 14-year spell hosting the station's Saturday early evening show, saying that she “wants her weekends back".
Reflecting on her exit in a new interview, Tarbuck – who is the daughter of comedian Jimmy – admitted that she’d felt “bereft” leaving the BBC.
And she was by no means the only one to go, with other popular presenters like Zoe Ball and Ken Bruce also among the popular hosts to have left in recent years for commercial radio stations.
“The talent leaving Radio 2 tells its own story,” Tarbuck told The Guardian. “It’s no wonder people get upset by it. Listeners have allowed us into their home, which is a precious thing and should never be taken for granted. That’s why the audience take it personally.”
The Taskmaster contestant continued: “The BBC needs high standards and a certain level of curation because it’s a world leader. Ever since we were all sat in front of Bill & Ben or Blue Peter, it was the place to be.
“But you can’t live off that reputation forever. You have to keep it being the place to be. You do that by pushing the boundaries and not worrying about what commercial radio is doing. Let them do it. It doesn’t matter.”
Upon Tarbuck’s exit, head of Radio 2 Helen Thomas said: “Every Saturday evening, Liza created a truly magical, fantastical world. 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.”
While Tarbuck will host The Great Celebrity Pottery Throw Down upon leaving the BBC, many of the other presenters departing Radio 2 did so to move to stay in radio but appear on different stations.
Bruce left in 2023 for Greatest Hits Radio – taking his popular game PopMaster with him – and hit out at BBC in July for constantly trying to appeal to a “younger” audience.
Ball also recently jumped ship to Greatest Hits, leaving the BBC in December to be replaced by incoming Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis.
After a two-year break from working full-time in radio, presenter Ball hosted her first show on the Bauer Media station last week, during which she credited Bruce with encouraging her to make the move.
"I can tell you excitement levels [are] currently peaking," she said during her first show. Thanks to Ken, I am so thrilled to be his radio neighbour once again."
In a separate interview, Ball clarified that she had not “left-left” the national broadcaster for good, saying: “I’m grateful to the BBC because they changed my life on numerous occasions and looked after me. They continue to do amazing things but there is a lot of great stuff happening in commercial radio.”
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