BBC presenter steps down after 35 years as it is ‘time for change’-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

BBC presenter Mike Liggins has stepped down after 35 years (Picture: Twitter/@MikeLiggins)

BBC presenter Mike Liggins is waving goodbye to his role after over three decades.

Mike is a beloved presenter on Look East – the BBC’s regional television news programme for the East of England. He’s been a part of the broadcasting service for 35 years, but after October 6 he will be stepping down.

The senior broadcast journalist shared the news of his departure on Twitter.

‘After 35 years, I’ve decided to leave the BBC,’ he began.

‘Time for a change. But what an adventure! I feel very lucky.

‘I’ll be on Look East till Oct 6th ..and after that I haven’t got a clue!

‘For now, I just want to say thanks to all my colleagues and to you the viewer/follower. Mike x’

He accompanied the tweet with a photo of him when he started at the BBC, and a more recent snap.

Mike is a presenter on Look East (Picture: Twitter/@MikeLiggins)

Fans of the presenter flooded him with well-wishes for his new venture.

Reverend Richard Coles is one person who’s going to miss his presence on BBC.

‘Mike! This is like the ravens flying away from the Tower of London! But all the very best to you in your future endeavours,’ he wrote.

Reverend Richard Coles was among those wishing him well (Picture: Twitter)

A cameraman expressed how much he’d enjoyed working with Mike.

‘Such a shame Mike. A real talent. Has been a pleasure working with you. Hopefully a few more days before October!’

Another viewer wrote: ‘Won’t be the same without you Mike. Hope you find a way to keep telling stories in your own inimitable way!’

Viewers will miss Mike (Picture: Twitter)

‘We will certainly miss you, your humour and your wonderful storytelling. Good luck in whatever you decide to do Mike – very best wishes x,’ added ITV correspondent Natalie Gray.

ITV News Presenter David Whiteley called him ‘the greatest broadcaster to grace our screens’ and ITV Anglia journalist Rob Setchell added that they’d always ‘admired’ him.

Following all the positive messages, Mike wrote: ‘Thanks for all your likes and lovely messages.

Mike was overwhelmed with messages (Picture: Twitter)

Mike will be missed on the BBC (Picture: Twitter)

‘Don’t think I can reply to all of them, but I’ve read them all and it really is very kind of you. Thank you so much.’

Good luck Mike!

Look East airs at 1:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm on BBC East and Cambridgeshire. You can also watch the most recent episodes on BBC iPlayer.

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