Emma Barnett ‘quits BBC Radio 4’s Today’ in fresh blow for programme

Broadcaster Emma Barnett is reportedly set to quit BBC Radio 4 ‘within weeks’.

The presenter joined Today in 2024, the station’s flagship news and current affairs programme.

Now, mere weeks after Amol Rajan, 43, who joined in 2021 and also presents University Challenge, left, Barnett is thought to be doing the same.

As reported by the i Paper, the 41-year-old’s colleagues said her departure is expected soon, and she’s ‘excited to move on to her next challenge’.

It is understood that Barnett will stay at the BBC, the publication added, and has been in ‘long discussions’ over helming a new current affairs podcast for BBC Sounds.

At the start of the month, Barnett presented Rajan’s final show with him as he emotionally signed off for the last time.

In part of his message, he told listeners: ‘After more than 1,000 hours, hundreds of pips, a few crashes, it is time to say goodbye. It has been such an honour sitting in this studio with you, Emma, with all the presenters but above all, with the amazing team behind the glass.

‘I wanted to say thanks above all for your friendship and forbearance. I hope you know how seriously we take your time and trust.

‘To the incredible producers on Today and across BBC News, to all my incredible, heroic colleagues who are here today, over the past decade, in fact, you are the best in the business, and we are so incredibly lucky to know you.’

He concluded with shoutouts to his wife and children before playing the theme tune to Only Fools and Horses, in a nod to how he turned up with ‘the spirit of Del Boy’ on his first day.

The BBC has not yet announced a replacement for Rajan, who also stars in the second series of The Celebrity Traitors.

The BBC and reps for Emma Barnett have been contacted for comment.