Carol Vorderman announced yesterday that she was leaving her BBC radio show.
The former Countdown star said she saying goodbye to her Saturday morning show on BBC Radio Wales as she is “not prepared to lose my voice” after the corporation introduced new social media guidelines.
Here is what we know.
Why is Carol Vorderman leaving her radio show?
In her statement she said she had breached the new BBC guidelines and “BBC Wales management have decided I must leave”.
Her full statement, which she posted on X, formerly Twitter, read: “The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines, which I respect.
“However, despite my show being light-hearted with no political content, it was explained to me that, as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines would apply to all and any content that I post all year round.
“Since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I’ve ultimately found that I’m not prepared to lose my voice on social media, change who I am, or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil this country finds itself in.
“My decision has been to continue to criticise the current UK Government for what it has done to the country which I love – and I’m not prepared to stop. I was brought up to fight for what I believe in, and I will carry on.
“Consequently I have now breached the new guidelines and BBC Wales management have decided I must leave. We each must make our decisions.
“I’m sad to have to leave the wonderful friends I’ve made at Radio Wales. I wish them, and all of our listeners, all the love in the world. We laughed a lot, and we will miss each other dearly
“But, for now, another interesting chapter begins.”
Vorderman has been outspoken in her criticisms of the Government.
This month, she questioned if the Conservative Party is the “sleaziest in history” and hit out at the Home Secretary who described rough sleeping as a “lifestyle choice” and called for an end to “pitching tents in public spaces”.
Vorderman quoted her post, saying: “What I want to stop, and what the law-abiding majority wants to stop, is your vile government clinging on to power for a day longer.
“You don’t speak for us. Every week you debase democracy further. We’re ashamed of you. Go now.”
What are the new BBC social media guidelines?
Under the BBC’s new social media guidelines, presenters on flagship programmes including Match of the Day and The Apprentice have been banned from making attacks on political parties.
The corporation said the guidance does not include contributors, pundits, judges or guest hosts but it has put through additional guidance for freelancers along with those not working in news, current affairs or factual journalism production.
In September, the broadcaster said these types of employees “must not bring the BBC into disrepute”, are required to be respectful in public, and take care when engaging with public debate.
What has been the response to Vorderman’s announcement?
Celebrities including Alan Carr and Dame Kelly Holmes have spoken out in support of her.
In the comments section of her Instagram post, comedian Carr wrote: “big respect Carol”, whilst Olympian Dame Kelly said: “You do you Carol! Much respect for sticking up for who you are and not allowing corporations to silence you!”
Comedian Joe Lycett joked: “I have informed the BBC I am available to replace you.”
Speaking on Vorderman’s departure, a BBC spokesperson said: “Carol has been a presenter on BBC Radio Wales since 2018. We’d like to thank her for her work and contribution to the station over the past five years.”
Last night on X, Vorderman thanked people for their support: “From my heart, thank you for your overwhelming support today.
“Just bowled over by it. You’re so wonderful, genuinely thank you. I’ll now increase calling out this disgusting Tory govt with facts & data which the right-wing media fails to publish.”