BBC News host says ‘it’s time for new beginnings’ as she confirms exit after being made to do ‘humiliating’ audition

A BBC News host has said “it’s time for new beginnings” as she confirms her exit after a “humiliating” audition.

Joanna Gosling, 51, who has been a BBC presenter for 23 years, said she would be going off-air on January 26.

It comes as two other hosts quit the show after reportedly being forced into “humiliating” auditions to keep their jobs.

David Eades, Joanna Gosling, and Tim Willcox have taken voluntary redundancy after the BBC revealed its plans to merge its international and UK news channels.

In a heartfelt tweet to her thousands of followers yesterday, Joanna confirmed her exit.

Her post read: “You may have already heard, but I wanted to confirm, that I have decided to leave the BBC and will go off air on the 26th January.

“I am very grateful for the kind messages I’ve had from so many of you.

“I’m proud of my career in news. Now it is time for new beginnings.”

It has been reported that David has already presented his final show.

Meanwhile Tim’s final day in the job is yet to be confirmed, according to Deadline.

Last week it was reported that more than a dozen presenters could lose their positions due to a rebrand which will see BBC News and BBC World News channels merged.

The move means there will be no dedicated domestic news service for viewers in the UK from the spring.

Joanna made headlines last month when she fought back tears while reporting on the deaths of three young boys in Solihull.

High-profile presenters including Huw Edwards, Fiona Bruce and Clive Myrie are thought to have been spared having to re-apply.

The BBC is expecting to save more than £1million a year by cutting the numbers of presenters.

The broadcaster hopes to find new roles for some of those affected.