Entertainment
Andrew Marr quits BBC after 21 years: ‘I leave behind happy memories’
Andrew Marr will be leaving the BBC after more than two decades (Picture: PA)
Andrew Marr has announced he will be leaving the BBC after 21 years.
The TV presenter, who currently hosts The Andrew Marr Show, revealed he’ll be joining the Global family from 2022 and will continue presenting while also writing for their newspapers.
He tweeted on Friday: ‘Personal announcement. After 21 years, I have decided to move on from the BBC. l leave behind many happy memories and wonderful colleagues.
‘But from the New Year I am moving to Global to write and present political and cultural shows, and to write for newspapers.
‘I think British politics and public life are going to go through an even more turbulent decade, and as I’ve said, I am keen to get my own voice back.
‘I have been doing the Andrew Marr show every Sunday morning for 16 years now and that is probably more than enough time for anybody!’
He continued: ‘Coming to Global gives me a new freedom – to do fast-paced, very regular political journalism on LBC with no filter, in entirely my own voice.
‘On Classic FM, I’ll be exploring my love of classical music, and culture generally, with some surprising guests. I feel I’m joining a young, hungrily ambitious and exciting company, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.’
A statement from Global was shared on the company’s Twitter account, and said: ‘@AndrewMarr9 is joining Global in a broadcast exclusive.
‘Andrew will be presenting new shows on @LBC & @ClassicFM, a new weekly podcast on @GlobalPlayer, and will also write a regular column for [LBC website].’
The post included Marr sitting in his new home at LBC’s studios.
Marr, 62, has hosted The Andrew Marr Show – previously called Sunday AM – on BBC One since 2005. His tenure with the Beeb began five years prior when he joined as political editor.
In 2002, he took over as host of Radio 4’s long-running series Start The Week.
He has been at the centre of some of the BBC’s strongest documentaries, including 2012’s The Diamond Queen, a three-part series about Queen Elizabeth II’s lengthy reign.
Marr also narrated a 2013 documentary about Margaret Thatcher following the former Prime Minister’s death.
Outside of news presenting, Marr has dabbled in TV dramas after appearing as himself in BBC One’s hit series The Bodyguard, starring Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes.
More: BBC
Earlier this year, Marr missed an episode of his staple programme due to contracting Covid after being double vaccinated. He has also battled other health issues over the years causing him to take time away from the Andrew Marr Show.
In 2013, he took time off for nine months after suffering a stroke. In 2018, he underwent surgery for a malignant tumour on his kidney but made a full recovery.
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