Woman’s Hour reveals replacement for Emma Barnett

Nuala McGovern will replace Emma Barnett as the new presenter of Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4.

McGovern hosted the show during Barnett’s maternity leave last year.

She will present Woman’s Hour from Monday to Wednesday each week, while Anita Rani will take over the Thursday programme in addition to her current Friday and Saturday editions.

Barnett left the show last week to join Radio 4’s Today programme.

McGovern has worked for the BBC since 2009, when she joined the World Service as a presenter and producer of the Have Your Say programme.

‘Exceptional journalist’

Karen Dalziel, the editor of Woman’s Hour, said McGovern is “an exceptional journalist who brings an astonishing range of broadcasting experience to this role”.

She added: “Nuala has a deep curiosity about the issues that matter to women, and the intellect and warmth to bring them to life for our listeners.”

McGovern said that being chosen for the role “fills me with joy”.

She added: “It is a real privilege to present this extraordinary programme. I’m looking forward to working with the superb Woman’s Hour team on the rigorous journalism expected on women’s issues, but also making time for escapism and fun.

“I’m especially looking forward to getting back to the Woman’s Hour listeners. I have missed them.”

Rani said: “Like our listeners, I love hearing Nuala when I’m not presenting. What a tag team we will be - time to take Woman’s Hour to the next level.”

McGovern will join the programme on May 13.