Andrew Neil has announced he is leaving the BBC after over 25 years of live political programmes for the broadcaster.
The presenter, 71, shared the news on Twitter, telling his followers: ‘Important thread (for me!): With heavy heart I announce I will be leaving the BBC.
‘Despite sterling efforts by new DG to come up with other programming opportunities, it could not quite repair damage done when Andrew Neil Show cancelled early summer + Politics Live taken off air.’
He added that the split was amicable: ‘But I leave with no animosity or desire to settle scores. I look back on my 25 years doing live political programmes for the BBC with affection. And gratitude for brilliant colleagues at Millbank, who always made sure I went into the studio fully briefed and equipped for the fray.
‘They were/are the best of the best. If they can make me look good, they can make anybody look good.
‘There could have been a different outcome but for reasons too dull to adumbrate, we’ll leave it there. I wish the BBC and the new DG well. The BBC will always be special to me..
Andrew revealed that he will still be presenting a news show for GB News, as well as serving as their Chairman.
He tweeted: ‘As for the future, I’m delighted to announce I have accepted the post of Chairman of GB News, a new news channel to be launched early in the New Year bringing new perspectives to the news.
‘I will also be presenting a new nightly prime-time show on GB News. Watch this space.’
The BBC shared a statement on his departure, writing: ‘We’d like to give our thanks to Andrew for his many years of work for the BBC, during which he’s informed and entertained millions of viewers.
‘From his early broadcasting days on Despatch Box in the 1990s to his recent forensic and agenda-setting political interviews, he has proved a formidable and hugely talented broadcaster.
‘For years, he was at the heart of the irreverent and much-loved This Week and played a key role in the Daily and Sunday Politics, Politics Live and the BBC’s general election coverage.
‘We wish Andrew every success in his new role; we’re sorry the US election coverage will be his last BBC presentation work for the foreseeable future but he will always be welcome at the BBC.’
The Andrew Neil Show came off-air during the coronavirus pandemic in March and was later cancelled as a result of budget cuts at the BBC.
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