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Big name BBC star 'quits' job after questions raised about previous career role

A well-known BBC star has left their job at the broadcaster and staff were informed by a note that was sent out to the team detailing his career and achievements

[A big name at the BBC has decided they will be leaving their job]

A big name at the BBC has decided they will be leaving their job(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A BBC star has left his radio show after questions were raised about his previous career as the editor-in-chief of newspapers owned by David Sullivan. Heidi Dawson, a BBC Radio 5 Live controller, sent a note to staff which said: I wanted to let you know that Tony Livesey has decided to leave his presenting role on 5 Live."

"Tony has worked at 5 Live for 16 years and was the first voice for us on air as we launched from our new home in Salford. Tony built a loyal late-night audience, often with our greatly missed colleague, Rachael Bland, at his side."

"He went on to be the voice of our iconic Drive show for 10 years where he was at the heart of our coverage of Brexit. He reported from the Falkland Islands and RAF Akrotiri, and was a key part of our presenting team at the London and Paris Olympics, as well as hosting our Wimbledon coverage for six years."

[An adult male, wearing glasses and headphones, is seated in front of a microphone, possibly in a studio setting, engaged in an interview or radio broadcast.]

Tony was known for presenting 5 Live(Image: BBC)

"Tony grew Drive's audience, particularly through Covid alongside Anna Foster, with positive stories of hope that the audience were desperate to hear. Tony has been at the heart of our coverage of every major news and sporting event for a decade and a half."

"He won prestigious Arias and APA awards for his reporting about how it feels to lose your mum as a child, and an Arias gold award after he was asked by Dame Deborah James to conduct her last ever interview."

[An individual dressed in a navy blue polo shirt, standing against a light gray background, with a cheerful expression on their face.]

The presenter has stepped away from his role at the company(Image: BBC)

"With his final Lates show at 5 Live, Tony grew audience figures once again. Tony has asked me to pass on his heartfelt thanks to the brilliant colleagues at 5 Live who he has had the pleasure of working with over the years."

"I know many of you have also really enjoyed working with Tony, and we wish him well for all his future endeavours."

It was previously reported by the BBC that Tony had stepped back from his 5 Live radio show following allegations against his ex-colleague David Sullivan.

Several women have accused billionaire businessman Sullivan, who is also the co-owner of West Ham, of preying on them for sex. In some instances the women were teenagers at the time of the alleged incident.

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