Veteran broadcaster Liza Tarbuck is stepping down from her long-running Saturday evening programme on BBC Radio 2, bringing an end to a 14-year stint that made her voice a regular part of the station’s weekend schedule.
The 61-year-old presenter confirmed she will leave her 6pm–8pm Saturday slot, sharing a message with listeners reflecting on the community that grew around the programme. She described the show as a place where two hours of radio felt like an exclusive club, where thousands of listeners connected and enjoyed each other’s company week after week.
The broadcaster expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the show and for the audience who tuned in regularly over the years. Station officials also acknowledged her long service, noting that Tarbuck had chosen to step away from the weekend commitment.
For the remainder of March, the slot will be temporarily hosted by Shaun Keaveny, who is best known for presenting the BBC Radio 2 Rock Show.
Family Background and Early Influences
Born in Liverpool in 1964, Tarbuck grew up in a family already connected to the entertainment world. She is the daughter of well-known British comedian Jimmy Tarbuck and his wife Pauline. The family later settled around Kingston upon Thames, where Tarbuck was raised alongside her siblings, Cheryl and James.
Despite her father’s career in show business, he initially advised his daughter not to follow the same path. The warning, however, had the opposite effect, sparking her curiosity about performing and broadcasting.
Tarbuck eventually pursued professional training with the National Youth Theatre before studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she developed the skills that would launch her acting and presenting career.
Life Away From the Microphone
Away from broadcasting, Tarbuck keeps much of her personal life private. She occasionally shares glimpses of her everyday routine online, including time spent outdoors and with her dog, reflecting a strong interest in nature.
Although she has been widely perceived as single, the presenter has rarely discussed her relationships publicly and prefers to keep her romantic life out of the spotlight. Tarbuck has indicated that privacy remains important to her when it comes to personal matters.
She does not have children and has previously spoken about how her life has unfolded differently from what she once imagined. While she once pictured herself raising a large family, she has said she ultimately never met the right partner with whom she wanted to start one. Instead, she maintains a close circle of friends and values her independence.
A Career Across Television and Film
Alongside her radio success, Tarbuck has built a notable acting career spanning several decades. Her breakthrough came in the late 1980s when she portrayed Pamela Lynch in the television comedy Watching, a role she played for several years.
She later appeared in the acclaimed film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and the historical comedy series Upstart Crow.
More recently, Tarbuck took on the role of Siobhan in The Change, starring alongside Bridget Christie.
With a career that spans acting, presenting, and live broadcasting, Tarbuck has remained a prominent figure in British entertainment for decades. Her departure from the weekend programme marks the end of a significant chapter on Radio 2, though her influence across television and radio continues to resonate.
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Source: Owink
