A BBC presenting “legend” stunned viewers after announcing she was leaving the channel after 40 years on screen.
News host Sally Taylor said “the time has come” on Tuesday’s episode of BBC South (4 March). Later this month, she will bring her record-breaking stint as the show’s longest-standing female host to a close.
“I fell into television 40 years ago and never thought I’d still be doing it today, but the time has come to hand over the reins to someone else who I hope will cherish the job as much as I have,” she told viewers.
“Being the presenter of a daily 6.30pm BBC regional programme is one of the best jobs in television.”
Taylor will host her final regional broadcast on 20 March, and this week said that South Today “has given me opportunities that would never have been possible anywhere else and I’m so grateful for that”.
The presenter, who received an MBE in 2005 for services to regional broadcasting, attributed her success to the audience, stating: “At the heart of everything we do is the relationship with our audience, I feel very honoured that they have shared and trusted me to tell their stories. It’s been wonderful.”
Throughout her time with the programme, she has covered 10 elections, travelled to Antarctica and delivered reports from Bosnia.
Peter Cook, senior head of content production for BBC South, said of “broadcasting legend” Taylor’s exit: “She’s had an incredible career at the BBC and earned the respect and affection of our viewers who have trusted her to tell them what’s happening and why.
“She’s a talented broadcaster, a brilliant journalist, and a great colleague.”
Early in her career, Taylor had numerous hosting stints on BBC Radio Solent.
In 2015, the presenter’s work in broadcasting, and also with local charities, led to her receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Winchester.
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Jason Horton, director of production for BBC Local, said: “Her class in the studio or on location, her sheer hard work in preparing for the programme, and her eye for the stories that really connect with the South Today audience, is unrivalled.
“Sally has always wanted more for the viewer and encouraged us all on that mission, whether we were reporters or producers, editors or senior leaders.
He continued: “She has also mentored countless colleagues, supporting the next generation of journalists and broadcasters.”
Taylor’s BBC bio hails her as “one of the most popular presenters in the south of England”.