📍7 Shocking BBC Presenter Exits (2024–2025) – What Really Drove Them Away?
BBC Presenter Exits (2024–2025): Introduction
In a surprising twist, the BBC has witnessed a wave of presenter exits from late 2024 to mid‑2025. From household names like Gary Lineker and Mishal Husain to long-serving journalists like Martha Kearney and Jo Coburn, these departures have left viewers asking: Why now? In this listicle, we explore the real reasons behind these BBC presenter exits, what they’re doing next, and what it means for the future of British broadcasting.
1. Martha Kearney
- Who they are / Current role
Martha Catherine Kearney (born 8 October 1957) is a British-Irish journalist and broadcaster. She served as the main presenter of BBC Radio 4’s lunchtime news programme The World at One for 11 years, and joined the presenting team of Today in April 2018.
- Why in the news
In February 2024, Kearney announced she would step down from Today after the 2024 United Kingdom general election. Her final appearance on the show was on 18 July 2024. She was succeeded by Emma Barnett. Despite stepping down, Kearney remains with BBC Radio 4, where she now hosts a new series titled This Natural Life and continues to present episodes of Open Country.
- Personal life
Kearney married Chris Shaw, senior programme controller at Channel 5, in 2001, and they live together in Wortham, Suffolk. The couple does not have any children, and Martha has not publicly spoken about any plans to start a family
- Recent updates (2024–2025)
Following her departure from Today, Kearney debuted This Natural Life and continues contributing to Radio 4’s rural and nature programming.
- Trivia & lesser-known facts
- An early advocate for bee conservation and a beekeeper before developing an allergy.
- Chaired judging panels for both the Man Booker and the Hippocrates Prizes.
2. Mishal Husain
- Who they are / Current role
Mishal Husain (born 12 March 1973) is a British journalist, broadcaster, and author. She is best known for having presented a range of BBC News programmes, most notably BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. She has also appeared as a relief presenter on the weekday edition of the BBC News at Ten, and occasionally on the BBC News at Six. Husain has hosted The Andrew Marr Show, HARDtalk, Impact, and BBC Breakfast.
- Why in the news
In November 2024, it was announced that Husain would be leaving the BBC to join Bloomberg News as the editor-at-large of Bloomberg Weekend and to present a high-profile interview series. Her final shift as Today co-presenter was on 17 December 2024, where several past and present Today presenters joined her on-air to pay tribute to her legacy.
- Personal life
Mishal Husain was born in Northampton, England, to Pakistani parents. Her mother was a teacher and a former producer for Pakistan Television Corporation, and her father was a urologist. She has a younger brother and is the granddaughter of Syed Shahid Hamid, the first Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence. In July 2003, she married Meekal Hashmi, a chief operating officer at an investment management firm. The couple have three children and live in Camden, north London.
- Recent updates (2024–2025)
Following her departure from Today, Husain began transitioning into her new role at Bloomberg. She is now preparing for the launch of Bloomberg Weekend, where she is expected to conduct long-form interviews with global leaders and changemakers.
- Trivia & lesser‑known facts
- First joined the BBC in 1998, having started her career at Bloomberg TV in 1996.
- Twice named Broadcaster of the Year at the London Press Club Awards (2015 and 2024).
- Authored the book The Skills: From First Job to Dream Job – What Every Woman Needs to Know.
3. Jo Coburn
- Who they are / Current role
Jo Coburn (born 12 November 1967) is a seasoned British journalist and political broadcaster who joined the BBC in 1997. She became one of the network’s most respected political presenters, fronting Politics Live since its 2018 launch and co-hosting Daily Politics before that.
- Why in the news
In March 2025, Coburn announced she would step down from Politics Live and leave the BBC after 28 years. Her final episode aired on 22 May 2025, marking the end of a distinguished chapter covering eight general elections, six chancellors’ budgets, and countless breaking political stories. In June 2025, Times Radio confirmed that Coburn would become a regular presenter on The Times at One, making her debut the week of Monday 16 June 2025.
- Personal life
Coburn is married to Mark Flanagan, former Downing Street communications chief. They have two children and live in West London. She is openly Jewish and active in her local synagogue.
- Recent updates (2024–2025)
Coburn joins a rotating panel of high-profile hosts at Times Radio, including Andrew Neil and Trevor Phillips. Her new role involves delivering incisive interviews and commentary on national and international affairs. Coburn expressed enthusiasm for joining a speech-driven station at a time of record audience growth.
- Trivia & lesser-known facts
- Joined the BBC as a Westminster reporter in 1997.
- Presented Daily Politics with Andrew Neil before leading Politics Live.
- Known for her sharp interviewing style and ability to make complex politics accessible.
4. Gary Lineker
- Who they are / Current role
Gary Winston Lineker (born 30 November 1960) is a former professional footballer turned sports broadcaster. He is best known for hosting BBC’s Match of the Day from 1999 to 2025, the programme’s longest-serving presenter. A prolific striker, Lineker played for Leicester City, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, and Nagoya Grampus Eight. He earned 80 caps for England, scoring 48 goals.
- Why in the news
In May 2025, Lineker stepped down from Match of the Day following a wave of criticism surrounding a controversial social media post and growing political pressure. Although his BBC career formally winds down with FA Cup and FIFA World Cup coverage through 2026, his resignation from MOTD after 26 years marks the end of an era.
- Personal life
Lineker was born in Leicester to Margaret and Barry Lineker, a greengrocer. He has four sons with ex-wife Michelle Cockayne and was later married to model Danielle Bux. He is also known for his advocacy on social issues, his charitable work with children’s cancer organisations, and his candid political opinions.
- Recent updates (2024–2025)
Despite the 2023 controversy over his critique of UK asylum policy and a tax dispute with HMRC (which he won), Lineker remained a central BBC figure until stepping back from Match of the Day in May 2025. He continues to make headlines through social media activism and may still appear in special BBC programming through 2026.
- Trivia & lesser‑known facts
- The only England striker to win the Golden Boot (1986 World Cup).
- Never received a yellow or red card in his playing career.
- Speaks fluent Spanish and supports foreign language learning in schools.
- Co-owner of production company Goalhanger, behind hit podcasts and documentaries.
BBC Presenter Exits (2024–2025): FAQs
1. Who remains in BBC presenting roles after these departures? Today, now rotates between Emma Barnett, Nick Robinson, Amol Rajan, Justin Webb, and one other. Politics Live is now hosted by Vicki Young.
2. When do these presenters officially leave?
- Martha – 18 July 2024
- Mishal – mid‑Dec 2024
- Jo – end‑May 2025
- Gary – 25 May 2025
3. Are they staying in broadcasting? Yes.
- Martha continues on Radio 4
- Mishal joins Bloomberg
- Jo joins Times Radio
- Gary may appear occasionally on the radio or in documentaries
BBC Presenter Exits (2024–2025): Conclusion
These high‑profile BBC presenter exits reflect a mix of retirement, career pivot, controversy, and evolving media environments. As Martha, Mishal, Jo, and Gary step into new chapters, BBC reshuffles roles and invests in fresh talent.
For more on their careers and related stories, check out:
- [Martha Kearney profile]
- [Mishal Husain bio]
- [Jo Coburn Times Radio move]
- [Gary Lineker BBC departure]
BBC Presenter Exits (2024–2025): Sources
- Speakers for Schools – Martha Kearney
- The Guardian – Martha Kearney steps down from presenting Radio 4’s Today programme
- Bloomberg Media – Mishal Husain
- BBC – Radio and TV host Mishal Husain to leave BBC
- BBC – Jo Coburn to step down from presenting Politics Live
- News UK – Jo Coburn and Stephen Sackur join Times Radio
- BBC News – Gary Lineker
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