Liza Tarbuck stepping down from long-running BBC Radio 2 show - “it’s been a privilege”

Liza Tarbuck has said “it’s been a privilege” as she steps down from her long-running BBC Radio 2 show. The 61-year-old has presented the Saturday evening show since 2012.

Announcing the news, she said hosting the show - which runs between 6pm and 8pm each Saturday night - had been the “stuff of dreams”. However, it has been confirmed the door “will always be open for her” to return to the station.

Putting down her microphone, Liza said: “We made two hours of radio feel like a private members club, that’s the stuff of dreams," she said. “Thousands of people enjoyed each other’s company like great friends. Thank you for letting me in, it’s been a privilege.”

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, praised the host for creating a "truly magical, fantastical world" on the airwaves. “She was beloved by everyone at the station and all her listeners, and the door at Radio 2 will always be open for her," she said. “Liza will be hugely missed and we wish her the very best of luck for the future.”

Shaun Keaveny will present the slot until the end of March. Commenting on Liza’s Instagram post, he said: “Liza, you stand among the greats. You’re my hero shoulder to shoulder with Terry, Steve, all that lot. You did it best. I’m keeping my battered bowler hat under the table in case you grace us with another round of radio brilliance. All my love xxx.”

Fellow Radio 2 presenter Rylan Clark, who hosts the station’s Saturday afternoon show, also wrote a message on Tarbuck’s post, saying he was going to miss her "so much".

“I’m so lucky to have worked with you for so long," he added. "Thank you for making me cackle on and off air. I love you.”