BBC News presenter quits after three decades and Tom Hanks' advice
A BBC News presenter has quit for a different job away from fame after nearly three decades - and Tom Hanks’ advice. The BBC anchor Rebecca Jones has ditched TV fame in favour of a brand new career, having been a familiar face to viewers for years.
The mother-of-one spent 28 years working for the broadcaster before quitting last year, in 2023, following a health scare two years earlier. Rebecca spent the night in A&E, where after being told she was suffering from burnout.
She said in The Times newspaper about the circumstances behind her exit from the corporation, saying: "I also come from a generation of women who felt that to survive in the workplace you needed to plough on and deliver.
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"But I recognised I was at a turning point. It gradually dawned on me that things had to change, not only for my health, but also for my happiness." During her time away, she found Barrecore - a workout that combines ballet, pilates and yoga.
She said: "Undoubtedly it helped my sanity and stamina while I was working in the hectic environment of the newsroom." Rebecca said: "I’m no longer at the beck and call of the news desk and I am in control of what I do.
"I sleep better, there are no more heart palpitations and after years in pain, my stiff neck and frozen shoulder have disappeared." Rebecca also revealed some touching words from Hollywood actor Hanks after her decision.
Rebecca hosted the Saving Private Ryan star's book launch in Liverpool in the North West of England. "Good luck on that new adventure," Tom wrote to her in a signed copy of the book, with the Aston Villa FC fan going on to add: "Closer and closer to your status as a creature of a renaissance."