Andrew Marr addresses BBC exit after 21 years
BBC presenter Andrew Marr announced last week that he will soon leave the broadcaster after 21 years and he has addressed his move on his self-titled BBC show.
"Now, before we crack on, a brief word. You may have seen or read that I’m leaving the BBC after 21 years," explained the interviewer and political commentator on Sunday, 21 November.
"I’m carrying on until Christmas, but I really want to say this – not very much," he quipped.
Read more: BBC news presenter quits with ‘immediate effect’ after 33 years on the job
"You watch this programme, I hope, for the guests and their stories, not the presenter," continued Marr. "It’s about the stories and not the storyteller."
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
— Andrew Marr (@AndrewMarr9) November 19, 2021
Marr first shared the news of his departure last Friday on his Twitter account where he announced to his over 200,000 followers: "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."
Read more: Nicky Campbell tearful as he says goodbye to BBC Radio 5 Live 'Breakfast Show'
He continued: "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!"
As for what this move will have in store for him Marr explained how: "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."
In addition to his political commentary, Marr announced that he will be exploring his "love of classical music, and culture generally" on Classic FM, "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," he concluded.
Sharing the announcement on their own socials, Global confirmed that Marr will also be presenting a weekly podcast as well as writing a regular column for the LBC website.
While BBC representatives have addressed Marr’s departure in supporting farewell statements, the broadcaster has not yet announced who or what show will replace Marr’s Sunday morning programme.
Watch: Andrew Marr interviews Health Secretary Sajid Javid
