Jane Garvey and Fi Glover to leave BBC to join Times Radio

The broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover are leaving the BBC to host a new programme and podcast for Times Radio.

Garvey has hosted shows for the BBC for almost 30 years and, together with Glover, has presented the popular Fortunately podcast for the BBC since 2017.

The pair will launch a new Times Radio podcast and a live weekday afternoon show on 10 October.

Fortunately will continue to air on the BBC until the end of the year.

Garvey said she was delighted to be joining the station after “a brilliant time working for the BBC”.

The duo are the latest in a long line of high-profile BBC stars switching to the commercial sector, following Vanessa Feltz, Simon Mayo, Emily Maitlis and Andrew Marr among others.

Garvey and Glover will co-present a programme from 3pm-5pm, Monday to Thursday, covering the day’s news and giving their reflections on the day.

Garvey said: “I’ve had a brilliant time working for the BBC. Now I’m delighted to be joining the award-winning team at Times Radio. We can’t wait to get started on a live mix of illuminating conversation, topical interviews and occasional carping.”

Glover said: “It’s been an amazing 29 years with the BBC. But I am so looking forward to bringing Times Radio listeners some extraordinary stories from some extraordinary people with Jane.”

Nearly 250 episodes of Fortunately with Fi and Jane have been released since the weekly podcast launched. Intended as a look behind the scenes of broadcasting, the format sees the pair interview a variety of guests and discuss topics sent in by listeners.

Garvey’s was the first voice heard on Radio 5 live when the station launched in 1994. She later presented Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour for 13 years, alternating with Dame Jenni Murray, until both departed in 2020.

Glover started her BBC career in local radio and went on to present a variety of programmes on 5 live. She also fronted several shows for Radio 4, including The Listening Project and Two Rooms.

Speaking to the Times, Glover said: “We’re not leaving Fortunately in a massive strop, but we have talked about ourselves as much as we want to, and we found the offer of a return to solid journalism appealing.”