News / radio

Emma Britton to leave Radio Bristol

By Martin Booth  Monday Dec 7, 2020

Radio Bristol is on the hunt for a new breakfast show presenter after Emma Britton announced live on air on Monday that she will be leaving the BBC after 13 years.

Britton, who lives in Bridgwater, moved to BBC Radio Bristol from BBC Radio Somerset in 2016.

Along with the breakfast show, she has also presented for Radio 4 and Points West, and away from the airwaves she is a celebrant and event host.

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Speculation has already begun on who could replace Britton on the flagship breakfast show, with internal candidates including James Hanson and regular breakfast show stand-in Claire Cavanagh.

Another potential replacement from outside the BBC is Ian Downs, aka Downsy, currently a presenter on SAMfm and The Breeze as well as matchday announcer at Ashton Gate Stadium for Bristol City and Bristol Bears.

On Monday’s breakfast show, Britton said: “Since joining the BBC in 2007, I really have had a job like no other. I have met so many amazing people who have inspired me and made me laugh; I’ve also interviewed people at some of the most challenging times of their lives, which was a privilege.

“I really do believe on the shows I have presented that we have made a difference.

“I will always be very grateful to all the guests and contributors to my shows but most of all to the local radio listeners: they are loyal, passionate about where they live and they don’t hold back if you say something they don’t like!”

BBC Radio Bristol editor, Jess Rudkin, added: “Emma has been an incredible host for the breakfast show. I’ve lost count of the listeners who’ve told me how her infectious energy and sense of humour have made a really important difference to how they feel each day.

Britton’s last show will be on Friday, December 18.

Main photo: BBC Radio Bristol

Read more: Bristol Uni’s Science of Happiness course becomes BBC podcast

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