Emma Barnett is set to leave BBC Radio 4’s Today programme after just over two years, with reports suggesting she will take on a new current affairs podcast for BBC Sounds.
The 41-year-old presenter is expected to remain with the BBC, and an announcement about her future could come within weeks. The corporation has not confirmed the move, but a spokesman did not deny the reports.
Barnett joined the flagship news programme in May 2024 after presenting Woman’s Hour. Her departure would leave Justin Webb, Nick Robinson and Anna Foster as its only permanent presenters.
A BBC source said there was “always rumour and speculation” surrounding Today, adding that the programme had a new editor and “loads of new ideas and vision”.
The reported move comes shortly after Amol Rajan presented his final edition of Today on 2 September, ending a five-year spell on the programme. He is leaving the BBC to develop a YouTube project, while continuing to present University Challenge. ([the-independent.com](https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/news/amol-rajan-bbc-radio-4-exit-b3043389.html?utm_source=openai))
Emma Barnett’s reported BBC podcast move
Barnett is understood to have held lengthy discussions with BBC executives about fronting a podcast based on current affairs. She already presents Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett, a weekly programme built around personal conversations.
The reports follow a period of tension around her role on Today. Barnett was previously said to have complained to former BBC director-general Deborah Turness that Robinson could be “overbearing”, while the pair reportedly went several months without presenting together.
She also attracted attention this week after a combative interview with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, during which the two repeatedly clashed over the party’s response to Labour’s spending review. The exchange was discussed widely after the interview was broadcast. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/sep/10/andy-burnham-hospitality-row-mayors-tourism-tax-levy-regional-mayors-education-ukraine-russia-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6aa27fb88f080f2ddaddca0b&utm_source=openai))
Barnett returned to the airwaves only recently after undergoing a hysterectomy as part of treatment for endometriosis and adenomyosis. She has spoken publicly about the debilitating pain caused by the conditions.
Her possible exit would add to uncertainty around the presenter line-up at Today, which has yet to name Rajan’s replacement. BBC Europe editor Katya Adler and chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman are among those previously linked with the vacancy, while political editor Chris Mason has also been discussed.
The BBC has said an announcement on Rajan’s successor will be made in due course. Barnett was contacted for comment.
