BBC presenter quits in emotional statement after 29 years on channel

BBC presenter Tony Smith has revealed that he’s leaving the Beeb after 29 years. The journalist said in a statement on social media that he’s taking redundancy after being a familiar face on BBC News for almost three decades.

“Heading off into the sunset. Some personal news,” he wrote on X. “After 29 years, today is my last day at BBC News. It’s been amazing, but the offer of redundancy was too good to turn down – and it felt like a good time to try something new.”

He added: “Not sure what comes next – watch this space.” It comes after BBC Breakfast viewers ‘can’t bear to watch’ after breaking news announcement.

Tony Smith announced on X that he was leaving the BBC after 29 years ( 
Image:
TonyNewsCamera/X)Tony’s fans shared their well wishes with the journalist, with one writing: “Sorry to hear that, but I expect you will have fun on the other side!”

Another added: “All the very best Tony for whatever comes next” as a third wrote: “All the very best Tony, have a ball.”

Tony began working at the BBC back in 1997, becoming a journalist at BBC News. He went on to cover the biggest stories in Asia, Africa and America – picking up awards from the Royal Television Society in the process.

He became a Senior Broadcast Journalist in 2010 and has focused on stories around online harms, cybercrime, the tech industry as well as mental health, child exploitation and criminal justice.

Over the last few months, BBC viewers have seen a number of stars leave the broadcaster – with Politics Live presenter Jo Coburn announcing her exit in March.

“What a privilege to have been in the hot seat of the Daily Politics and then Politics Live covering the tumultuous events of the last decade or so,” she said in an emotional message.

“It’s time to move on and hand over to someone else but I’ve loved it all, especially the people I’ve worked with and the hundreds of guests who’ve kept me company in the studio every day.”

Meanwhile, a month earlier, BBC Radio presenter Janice Forsyth left her role after 10 years, having received a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s.

Sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease,” she said. “Much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I’m happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure.

“Call it living in the moment, and you won’t be far off!”