BBC News legend quits after 35 years as she announces new career in statement

Susie Fowler-Watt has announced she is leaving the BBC after 35 years. She is one of the BBC's longest serving presenters and has been on BBC Look East for nearly three decades. However, she has decided to leave broadcasting so she can pursue a new career as a psychotherapist. In a video message announcing her departure, Fowler-Watt said: "I've been sitting on this sofa or a version of it for nearly 30 years now presenting the programme.

I've been at the BBC for 35, but I have some news, I am leaving the BBC because I want to concentrate on my new career as a psychotherapist. "I went and trained when I was 50, six years ago, and I am now really keen to invest in that new chapter in my life. But oh my goodness, what a joy this job has been, what a privilege it has been. I have loved it. "I have worked with such wonderful people and met so many wonderful people in my career.

I want to say thank-you all for watching and I will be here for another eight weeks or so, and I will say a proper goodbye when I go just before Christmas ." The presenter began her BBC career in 1991 at BBC Radio Surrey before moving through a series of reporting, producing and presenting roles in local radio. Susie joined the BBC political unit at Westminster, working on national TV programmes. Before presenting, she was a political correspondent for BBC East, at a time when the prime minister and many of his cabinet were MPs in the region.

She interviewed eight prime ministers during her career and covered major UK stories, including the Soham murders, the trial of serial killer Steve Wright, the Covid pandemic and the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Robert Thompson, director of production for BBC Local, said: "Susie has made an outstanding contribution to the BBC and audiences across the east of England. A trusted voice through both good times and challenging moments, she has championed the region and its communities with warmth, integrity, and professionalism.

"We thank her for her dedication and lasting impact, she leaves us with our warmest of wishes and huge thanks." Her last day on air will be Friday December 18. Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on all things showbiz here . Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter .