BBC presenter quits show after 33 years and issues emotional statement

05 April 2024 , 13:24

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Garry Richardson has announced he's quitting BBC Radio (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Long-serving BBC Radio presenter Garry Richardson will step down from Radio Four's Today programme this autumn, the corporation has announced.

His last day presenting the headlines and stories from across the world of sport will be 9 September, which will mark exactly 50 years to the day since Garry joined the BBC in 1974 as a junior researcher before moving into local radio. He has been working on the Today programme since 1981 and was also the host of the agenda-setting Sportsweek programme on Sunday mornings on BBC Radio 5 Live for 20 years until its final edition in September 2019.

Garry said: "I have had the most wonderful time working for the BBC alongside my heroes from sport and showbusiness. I'll still be broadcasting from time to time, the only difference will be I won't be setting my alarm for 2.45am and that's a lovely thought."

The BBC's director-general Tim Davie described Richardson as a "legendary presenter" and added: "So many of us have woken up to him bringing the latest sporting news for over four decades. He has brought wisdom, insight and a smile to every broadcast. On behalf of all of us, I'd like to thank Garry for everything he has done, fifty years at the BBC is an incredible milestone."

Garry's final show will air on the 50th anniversary of his first day with the network (BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)

Owenna Griffiths, Editor, of Today, says: "Garry quickly became a familiar part of my morning when I first started listening to Today at university. It's been a privilege to work with him over the years and, along with many, many other Today listeners, I will miss him enormously."

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The news about Richardson comes just two days after it was confirmed Jonathan Agnew would stand down as the corporation's chief cricket correspondent at the end of the summer. Agnew will continue to commentate on the BBC's Test Match Special broadcasts for four more years.

Since the news broke, listeners have taken to social media to share their thoughts, with one writing: "Garry Richardson has combined humour and humility on the radio my whole life. I can't believe he's going. What an institution."

A second penned: "Garry Richardson will step down from sports news @BBCr4today in September 50 years after joining BBC! Amazing warm and intelligent broadcaster and far more than sport, hope we hear more from his other dimensions in future." A third penned: "Such a shame he is a legend."

Mark Jefferies