Liza Tarbuck Leaves Radio 2: Fans Mourn Saturday Show Exit

If the murmuration, mohomes, Top Bird Trumpingtons and “Pauline!” mean nothing to you, then you’ve obviously never tuned in to Radio 2 at 6pm on a Saturday evening for two hours of the most joyous, slightly bonkers demonstrate on the airwaves. That particular slice of Saturday ritual has come to an end, however, as Liza Tarbuck has announced she won’t be returning to her Radio 2 show, stating she simply “wants her weekends back.”

The news, delivered via Instagram, has prompted an outpouring of affection for the comedian and actress who, for fourteen years, transformed a simple radio slot into a vibrant community space. While not an obituary, as Tarbuck herself framed it, the departure undeniably marks the end of an era for a devoted listenership – a “murmuration,” as her fans affectionately became known.

A Decade of Saturday Nights

Tarbuck took the reins of the Saturday evening show in 2012, quickly establishing a unique rapport with her audience. Before the news of her departure broke, and while it seemed she was only on a sabbatical, a colleague commented that there would be “uproar” if Radio 2 got rid of Liza. The show wasn’t about celebrity interviews or chart-topping hits (though those certainly featured). it was about the stories of ordinary people, their quirks, and their everyday lives. Listeners shared tales of family sayings, elderly relatives’ malapropisms, and even the logistical challenges of parking their motorhomes – or “mohomes,” as Tarbuck dubbed them.

This willingness to embrace the absurd, and Tarbuck’s infectious laughter in response to it, became a hallmark of the show. As the Radio Times noted, she often approached stories with a sensibility echoing Mel Brooks’ adage: “Stubbing your toe on the sidewalk is a tragedy; falling into an open sewer and dying is comedy.” The more unfortunate the listener’s tale, the more likely it was to elicit a hearty laugh from Tarbuck – and, by extension, from her audience.

Beyond the Broadcast: A Career Spanning Decades

For many, Tarbuck is synonymous with Saturday night radio, but her career extends far beyond the airwaves. Born in Liverpool in 1964, she is the daughter of comedian Jimmy Tarbuck and began her own entertainment journey in 1986. She trained at the National Youth Theatre and RADA, graduating in 1986 alongside Clive Owen and Mark Womack, as detailed in her Wikipedia entry.

Tarbuck’s early television function included a starring role in the Granada Television comedy series Watching (1987-1993), a show that captured the minutiae of everyday life. She also appeared in the Falklands War drama Tumbledown (1988) alongside Colin Firth, and in Victoria Wood’s anthology comedy plays in 1989. Later roles included the title role in Linda Green (2001-2002), guest appearances in Extras and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, and a recurring role in French & Saunders. She’s also maintained a consistent presence on radio, prior to her long run at Radio 2.

A Community Built on Connection

What set Tarbuck’s Radio 2 show apart wasn’t just her comedic timing or eclectic musical taste (ranging from 1920s jazz to Bruno Mars), but the genuine sense of community she fostered. The show became a space where listeners felt seen and heard, encouraged to share their stories and connect with one another. It was, as Tarbuck herself described it, a “private members club.”

This sense of connection was particularly evident in the response to her departure. One listener wrote to Radio Times, lamenting the loss of a show that was “the quirkiest, funniest, most eagerly anticipated” on the station. The sentiment was echoed across social media, with fans expressing their gratitude for the joy and companionship Tarbuck had brought to their Saturday evenings.

The Future of the Slot

Shaun Keaveny will fill the slot until the end of March, having already stepped in during Tarbuck’s recent absence. The BBC has stated that a permanent presenter will be announced in due course. Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, praised Tarbuck’s contribution, stating that she “created a truly magical, fantastical world” and that “the door at Radio 2 will always be open for her.”

Tarbuck’s own Instagram post reflected this warmth, thanking her listeners for “letting me in, it’s been a privilege.” The outpouring of support from fellow broadcasters, including Jo Whiley and Rylan, further underscored the impact she had on the industry and her audience.

As Tarbuck steps away from the microphone, she leaves behind a legacy of laughter, connection, and a reminder that sometimes, the most magical moments are found in the most unexpected places – like a Saturday evening on Radio 2, surrounded by a murmuration of listeners and a host who truly understood the power of a good story.

What’s next for the Saturday evening slot? The BBC has yet to announce a permanent replacement for Liza Tarbuck. The search is underway, and the station is likely to be looking for someone who can replicate the unique blend of humor, warmth, and community that defined Tarbuck’s tenure. Listeners can expect to hear Shaun Keaveny in the interim, with the possibility of guest presenters filling the slot until a long-term solution is found.