BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour host quits show for new role
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BBC Radio 4 presenter Emma Barnett has announced her departure from Woman's Hour after three years.
The broadcaster will leave the popular show in April to join Amol Rajan, Mishal Husain, Justin Webb and Nick Robinson as the newest host of the Today programme, following Martha Kearney's recent departure.
As part of her new role, Barnett will also front documentaries and set piece interviews for the BBC.
"We are living in volatile times where sometimes even asking a question can seem risky – wrongly so," she wrote on Instagram.
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"My ambition on the Today programme is to keep asking the questions that listeners want answers to – as well as raising as many smiles along the way – while armed with a very strong cup of tea.
"I am delighted to be joining a programme that occupies such a unique space in British life and to also have the opportunity to expand my work across BBC TV and News."
Barnett continued: "My time on Woman's Hour means a great deal to me and I want to thank the team and our mighty army of listeners for how much we have shared – the joy, wisdom, sorrow and sometimes sheer rage."
Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, added: "Emma is a formidable, fearless and ferociously intelligent journalist and I'm delighted that she will be showcasing her considerable talents across all of BBC News' platforms.
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"Emma will bring her unique energy and verve to our brilliant team of Today presenters – every day they ask the questions that need answering, and host the UK's most important conversation."
Barnett previously fronted BBC Radio 5 Live's mid-morning programme and hosted Newsnight, before joining Woman's Hour in 2021 – following Jane Garvey and Dame Jenni Murray's departures.
During her time on the show, Barnett has interviewed a host of famous faces, including Oscar winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Killing Eve star Jodie Comer, comedian Aisling Bea and Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker.
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