Beloved BBC presenter quits after 40 years with emotional post to fans

POPULAR BBC presenter Louise Priest has confirmed she is stepping back from the broadcaster after almost four decades.

The star revealed her big move in an emotional chat with the BBC.

Louise, 62, can currently be seen as the lead presenter on BBC regional programme, Look East, for their morning and lunchtime bulletins.

However, she is stepping back from the show and admitted a desire to have a lie in after early 4am starts was one of her motivating factors.

Admitting it had taken its toll, Louise said: “I have been so lucky to have a variety of jobs at the BBC it never occurred to me to leave but, after almost 40 years, I felt the time was right.

“The impact of the 4am starts on my home life was the biggest factor.”

“I feel I have made the right decision to go, but I’m also slightly nervous about life after the BBC.”

Louise admitted to the BBC that she had no plans beyond leaving the company but suggested that she may now have time to write a book.

She further added that it had been a “privilege” to interview a variety of people from all walks of life across her many roles within radio and TV at the broadcaster.

Louise began her career at the BBC in September 1983 and moved between Birmingham and Manchester before settling in Norfolk.

Having enjoyed a stint in local radio, Louise landed a role on Look East in 1987.

She then remained there throughout her career with the exception of a three year stint between 1990 and 1993 when she moved to Essex to support her husband in his work endeavours.

The presenter added of her time in the industry: “The early days were very different in terms of equipment. I remember hauling a very heavy ‘mobile’ phone around the Royal Norfolk Show in the 1980s and the radio recording equipment was so heavy – now it’s all done on a smartphone.

“No two days have ever been the same; the whole range of stories and laughs with my colleagues has meant a very varied work life.”