Phil Williams is to leave BBC Radio 5 Live, after 18 years at the station.
Currently late-night host, he’s worked across the station’s schedule, including as co-host of Weekend Breakfast.
He was at the helm when news broke of the terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena in 2017. The station’s Controller, Jonathan Wall called his handling of the breaking story as a “tour de force.”
“They say all good things must come to an end and after 18 years with BBC Radio 5 Live – I will be leaving on May 8th. It’s been quite an adventure,” Williams stated on Twitter.
“I’d like to say thank you to the amazing Editors and Producers who brought my programmes to life. To the brilliant women I’ve co-presented with over the years Rachel Burden, Anna Foster, Caroline Barker & Elly Oldroyd.
“From creating the Entertainment Correspondent role for the network and securing Exclusives with people like Will Smith and The Rolling Stones through to Presenting Weekend Breakfast and for the last six years the Weeknight Late show.
“To the regular guests on my late night show who’ve stayed up way beyond their bedtimes to speak to us. And to you, for your loyalty, tuning in and for making the show what it is.”
BBC Radio 5 Live has confirmed that Sarah Brett will take over his late show.
“I’d like to thank Phil for everything he has done for the station. He started out as our entertainment correspondent, making a big impact with a range of exclusive stories. He’s presented across the schedule, most recently on the late programme, where he’s delivered brilliant interviews and big breaking news stories,” added 5 Live Controller Jonathan Wall.
“We look forward to Sarah starting a new show on 13 May.”
