Emma Barnett ‘quits BBC Radio 4’s Today’ in fresh blow for programme

| Live News reporter Published September 11, 2026 2:37pm Updated September 11, 2026 3:05pm Emma Barnett has been at Radio 4 for just over two years (Picture: Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Wire) Broadcaster Emma Barnett is reportedly set to quit BBC Radio 4 ‘within weeks’. The presenter joined Today, the station’s flagship news and current affairs programme, in 2024. Now, mere weeks after Amol Rajan, 43, who joined in 2021, left, Barnett is thought to be following suit. As reported by the i Paper, the 41-year-old’s colleagues said her departure is expected soon, and she’s ‘excited to move on to her next challenge’. It is understood that Barnett will stay at the BBC, the publication added, and has been in ‘long discussions’ over helming a new current affairs podcast for BBC Sounds. Metro understands that the BBC believes there will always be rumours and speculation about the Today programme and its presenters. The BBC has not issued an official statement on the latest reports. Amol Rajan hosted his final show on the news programme mere weeks ago after a five-year stint (Picture: Instagram/Emma Barnett) At the start of the month, Barnett presented Rajan’s final show with him as he emotionally signed off for the last time. In part of his message, he told listeners: ‘After more than 1,000 hours, hundreds of pips, a few crashes, it is time to say goodbye. It has been such an honour sitting in this studio with you, Emma, with all the presenters but above all, with the amazing team behind the glass. ‘I wanted to say thanks above all for your friendship and forbearance. I hope you know how seriously we take your time and trust. ‘To the incredible producers on Today and across BBC News, to all my incredible, heroic colleagues who are here today, over the past decade, in fact, you are the best in the business, and we are so incredibly lucky to know you.’ He concluded with shoutouts to his wife and children before playing the theme tune to Only Fools and Horses, in a nod to how he turned up with ‘the spirit of Del Boy’ on his first day. The BBC has not yet announced a replacement for Rajan, who also stars in the second series of The Celebrity Traitors. It was previously said an announcement would be made ‘in due course’. Barnett’s reported exit would mark another blow for Radio 4’s Today (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) When it was first announced that he was leaving the show in January, Rajan confirmed he would still be working with the Beeb on both University Challenge and the Radical podcast. In a statement, he admitted that quitting ‘might be mad’, but he was ‘extremely excited to jump into the great digital Narnia of the creator economy’. It’s likely that the company’s editorial standards would have prevented him from staying on at news programme Today while launching his own company. While Rajan had a five-year stint on Today, Barnett lasted for just over two years. She previously presented Woman’s Hour on Radio 4 from 2021 to 2024. Barnett’s past broadcasting work included a six-year tenure at BBC Radio 5 Live and three years at LBC. Deals of the Day Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 The BBC and reps for Emma Barnett have been contacted for comment. Arrow MORE: The BBC’s latest decision is a betrayal of Queer viewers Arrow MORE: Martin Compston confirms crushing Line of Duty news ahead of series 7 Arrow MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 Switched On Get plugged into the week’s must-watch shows, unmissable moments, and expert reviews with Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr.