BBC Radio 4 legend Melvyn Bragg quits iconic show after 27 years with emotional statement

BBC Radio 4 legend Melvyn Bragg has announced he is quitting In Our Time after the series which aired earlier this year. He has presented every episode of the show since it launched in 1998.

BBC has confirmed that Bragg will "still be a friend of Radio 4" and will be taking part in a new series in 2026.

In a statement, Bragg said: "For a programme with a wholly misleading title which started from scratch with a six-month contract, it's been quite a ride! I have worked with many extremely talented and helpful people inside the BBC as well as some of the greatest academics around the world. It's been a great privilege and pleasure. I much look forward to continuing to work for the BBC on Radio 4. Thank you for listening."

Tim Davie, BBC Director General, says: "Melvyn's passion for the arts, his intellectual curiosity, and his unwavering commitment to public service broadcasting over the last 60-plus years have enriched the lives of millions. Through In Our Time on Radio 4 he has brought depth, insight, and humanity to our airwaves every single week for more than a quarter of a century. He leaves behind not just an extraordinary body of work, but a gold standard of broadcasting and interviewing excellence that will inspire generations to come."

Mohit Bakaya, Director of Speech and Controller of BBC Radio 4 says: "Melvyn has been part of the heartbeat of Radio 4 for over three decades. His fierce intellect, coupled with a wonderful curiosity and extraordinary passion for knowledge marks him out as one of the broadcasting greats.

"Though we will miss him on In Our Time, he leaves behind a unique legacy: the treasure trove of over 1,000 archive episodes, which are a wonderful resource for all those with a love of learning. I look forward to working with him on new projects for Radio 4."

Radio 4 will be airing some of Melvyn's most cherished episodes as a tribute, and there is also set to be a selection on BBC Sounds chosen by some of In Our Time's most notable fans.

BBC has confirmed In Our Time will return to Radio 4, but with a new and as yet unconfirmed presenter.