Emma Barnett named as new main host of Woman's Hour

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 5h

Emma Barnett is named as the new main host of Woman's Hour following the imminent departures of Jane Garvey and Dame Jeni Murray.

Emma Barnett has been chosen as the new main host of Radio 4's Woman's Hour from 2021.

The 35-year-old will take over from Jane Garvey and Dame Jeni Murray, both of whom will be leaving later this year.

Barnett has been presenting the daily programme on and off for the last 10 years and also works on Radio 5 Live and BBC Two's Newsnight.

Starting in January Barnett will host the Monday to Thursday editions, with another as-yet undecided host fronting Fridays and Saturdays.

"I can't wait to get to know the many listeners of Woman's Hour a lot, lot better," said Barnett.

"What adventures we are going to have together - all starting in the year that this BBC institution, the radio mothership, turns 75.

"I have a long love of Woman's Hour and live radio and know that this is a very special and rare opportunity."

Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya added: "I am delighted that Emma is joining Woman's Hour.

"She started her BBC broadcasting career on Radio 4 and has continued to be closely involved with the network in general, and Woman's Hour in particular, ever since.

"She brings a terrific combination of intellectual inquiry, robust journalism and curiosity about the human condition; I can't think of anyone better to carry on the important job of identifying and exploring the issues that matter most to women."

Woman's Hour is one of the longest-running programmes in the world, having been on the air since 1946.