BBC's Clive Myrie and Nigella Lawson lead tributes as colleague quits after 35 years

BBC's Clive Myrie has sadly bid farewell to a BBC colleague Mark Urban.

The presenter led tributes to the journalist after his long career, with culinary queen Nigella Lawson also sharing her well wishes.

Both Clive and Nigella expressed their regret over Mark's departure from the BBC after an illustrious 35-year career.

Having worked as the Middle Eastern correspondent for BBC News and a face of Newsnight, Mark's decision was met with disappointment from colleagues.

On hearing the news via X, formerly Twitter, Clive shared a solemn message saying: "Very sad news and a big loss for us. Good luck Mark."

Echoing his sentiments, Nigella also sent her well-wishes to Mark stating: "It's our loss."

Mark announced his departure from the BBC on Sunday morning, choosing not to pursue other opportunities within the corporation, reports the Mirror.

He stated: "Personal news, I'll be leaving the BBC at the end of May. Newsnight in its current format will end then, so most posts will go. I decided not to apply for other BBC jobs. Working there for 35 yrs has been life defining: an eyewitness to history collaborating with such brilliant colleagues. But it's time for a change."

Mark was showered with an outpouring of support from fans, fellow celebrities, and esteemed colleagues, including nods of thanks from both Nigella and Clive.

Mark responded to the TV chef, saying: "your words mean a lot to me, thank you. hopefully I will find other ways to share my ramblings with the world ", and Nigella replied: "We're all counting on it."

Thankful, Mark said to Clive: "thank you very much Clive. It will be a wrench for me too, but it's time."

Emily Maitlis, a former Newsnight colleague of Mark's, said: "Mark what a huge huge loss this will be. I so loved working with you. I am very sorry you are leaving - and your catchphrase will stay with us all forever .. xx."

Mark's departure follows reports of Newsnight facing challenges, including a decline in viewers leading to the loss of 30 staff and over £7 million in budget cuts, according to the Express.

It was said last year that the show, once led by Emily Maitlis, will reduce its team, cut its time by 10 minutes and focus less on investigative films, instead having more studio debates.

At the time, Deborah Turness, the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, said "in a tough financial climate" the broadcaster had "some difficult choices" to make as audiences switch from TV to digital news sources.

New editor Jonathan Aspinwall has said he will "lead Newsnight as it evolves into a debate, discussion and an interview-based programme".

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