Sangita Myska leaves LBC two weeks after fiery Israel interview – as Vanessa Feltz joins station in shake-up

LBC host Sangita Myska has left the station two weeks after coming off air in opaque circumstances following a fiery clash with an Israeli government spokesperson over its military action in Gaza.

More than 20,000 people have signed a petition calling for the broadcaster to be reinstated amid speculation that she had been suspended over the interview.

LBC bosses have now announced that Vanessa Feltz will join the company in a schedule shake-up following her departure, in a statement shared on Wednesday (1 May).

Feltz will not be replacing Myska, as she will join the channel’s weekend programming instead.

It comes after significant social media speculation following a period where Myska did not appear during her regular live slot. The last time the host was on the show was on 14 April, with Conservative parliamentary candidate and commentator Ali Miraj replacing her ever since.

However, Global made no reference to the petition or Myska’s absence, insisting that the changes were part of a “refreshed weekend schedule”.

LBC said: “As part of the changes, Sangita Myska is leaving the station at the end of her contract, after nearly two years with the station.”

The station’s senior managing editor Tom Cheal added: “We’d like to thank Sangita for her fantastic contribution to LBC and wish her every success in the future.”

Nearly 25,000 people have signed a petition asking LBC to reinstate Myska, with listeners speculating on social media that the absence was linked to an interview she conducted with Israeli government spokesperson, Avi Hyman, over its military action in Gaza.

The Independent has reached out to LBC for comment.

Meanwhile, 62-year-old Feltz said she was excited to join the channel.

“After a long and passionate courtship, I’ve finally succumbed to the allure of LBC,” she said.

“Actually, I was powerless to resist. Global’s dynamism is mesmerising and it is THE high-octane station from which to broadcast, in this riveting election year. I can’t wait to join the Global family and get cracking. Brace yourself for May 4th – May the fourth be with you!”

Cheal added: “Vanessa is a leading light in broadcasting who is outspoken, incisive and understands what matters to LBC listeners. We’re delighted to have her on board.”

LBC also confirmed that Miraj would have two weekend shows after his stint as a guest host on Myska’s slot.

Other changes include Iain Dale’s programme being extended to five days a week with an extra show on Friday evenings.