BBC presenter announces he’s leaving the corporation after 35 years as he thanks viewers and says it’s ‘time for a change’
- BBC Look East Presenter Mike Liggins announced his departure today
- In his 35 years on the show, he made more than 6,000 reports
- His fans described him as ‘long admired’ and a ‘true broadcasting legend’
BBC Look East Presenter, Mike Liggins, is stepping down after 35 years at the corporation.
The much-loved presenter, also known as ‘Liggo’, announced his departure on Twitter earlier today – his last day will be October 6.
In a message addressing his fans, he wrote: ‘After 35 years, I’ve decided to leave the BBC.
‘Time for a change. But what an adventure! I feel very lucky.
‘I’ll be on Look East till Oct 6th ..and after that I haven’t got a clue! For now, I just want to say thanks to all my colleagues and to you the viewer/follower. Mike x’
BBC Look East Presenter, Mike Liggins, is stepping down after 35 years
The much-loved presenter, also known as ‘Liggo’, announced his departure on Twitter earlier today – his last day will be October 6
He also shared a side by side comparison of him at the begging of his career and now.
With a face and voice that’s recognised by the East of England and beyond, Mike made more than 6,000 reports for the show.
He started out as a sports reporter on Mercia Sound in Coventry in 1984.
Then he moved to ITV London Tonight, before joining the BBC in 1987 where he presented BBC Radio Norfolk’s Sunday Morning breakfast programme.
However, according to the BBC, he’s ‘best known for his amiable style on screen, as well as an enduring talent for finding the region’s characters and quirks.’
Robert Thompson, Senior Head of Content Production for East and London at the BBC, said: ‘He always gets to the heart of a story and has a brilliant way with words.
‘Mike will be enormously missed, both by his colleagues and our viewers.’
Fans of Mike and his colleagues were quick to share messages of support across social media.
With a face and voice that’s recognised by the East of England and beyond, Mike made more than 6,000 reports for the show
One viewer tweeted ‘I remember the guy on the left. What a great stint and a reporter who I long admired for getting the tone right – especially on the lighter stories which are the hardest ones to do. Good luck Mike.’
Another reminisced on his World Cup reports, writing ‘A true broadcasting legend. I think I’ll remember you most fondly as World Cup Mike – no one did it better. You’ll be sorely missed.’
Mike’s colleagues also expressed how much they will miss him in the workplace.
Amelia Reynolds, another presenter on BBC Look East, wrote: ‘The brilliant @MikeLiggins who’s been the most supportive and kind colleague and friend for the past 23 years.
‘Giving great advice about work, parenting and life in general. But more than all of that he makes me roar with laughter whenever I see him!! @BBCLookEast will miss you.’
Mike’s colleagues also expressed how much they will miss him in the workplace
Susie Fowler-Watt, the Lead Presenter of Look East, also added: ‘Not embarrassed to admit that I cried when @MikeLiggins told me this news.
‘He is the best of the best, effortlessly funny and completely irreplaceable. Off air, he is also a fantastic colleague and a dear friend. He doesn’t want a fuss, but he’s damn well getting one!’
In response to the outpouring of love, Mike added: ‘Blimey. Thanks for all your likes and lovely messages.
‘Don’t think I can reply to all of them, but I’ve read them all and it really is very kind of you. Thank you so much.’
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