BBC star issues statement confirming exit after 26 years

Mishal Husain is set to leave the BBC after an impressive 26-year tenure. The 51 year old broadcaster, who has been a familiar voice on the Today programme for the past 11 years and also hosted The Today Debate, will make her departure in the New Year.

Issuing a statement ahead of he exit, Mishal said: "My time at the BBC has involved many memorable moments, going to places I would never otherwise have seen, witnessing history and being part of live, national conversation on Radio 4.

"I will always be grateful for the opportunities the BBC gave me, and wish the organisation and everyone who is part of it the very best."

Read more Strictly Come Dancing star Montell Douglas shares 'really difficult' hidden health battle

Owenna Griffiths, Editor of Today, praised Mishal's contributions: "Mishal is not only a formidable journalist and first-rate presenter, she is an extremely generous and thoughtful colleague. It has been my great privilege to work alongside her and, along with the Today team, I'll miss her enormously but wish her all the very best in her new venture."

Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, acknowledged Mishal's impact: "Mishal leaves the BBC with an incredible journalistic legacy. After more than a decade on the Today programme, she is going with our gratitude and affection, and we wish her the best of luck in her new chapter. I very much hope the BBC and Mishal will get the chance to work together again one day."

Mishal started her BBC career in 1998 as a producer before transitioning to presenting on BBC World News in 2001. Her 2017 engagement interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gained global attention.

Since 2013, Mishal has been part of the Today Programme team on BBC Radio 4, and has also fronted BBC News at Six and BBC News at Ten.