PAINFUL ADMISSION: BBC presenter leaves fans emotional after quitting 13-year rolepainful admission: BBC presenter leaves fans emotional after quitting 13-year role
The presenter announced she is leaving her role after 13 years.
BBC Sport presenter Natalie Pirks quit her role (Image: Natalie Pirks/Instagram)
BBC presenter Natalie Pirks has stepped down from her broadcasting career after more than ten years on screen. The journalist has been a familiar face on BBC Sports since 2013, during which time she has covered major sporting occasions including the World Cup and the Olympics.
However, on Tuesday, the television personality, who is mother to 14-year-old Ariella and 10-year-old Soraya with her husband Diego Rincon, took to social media to announce her departure from the industry she has called home for so long.
She wrote on Instagram: “In two weeks I’m leaving the job I always dreamed of having. Here’s why: Twenty-plus years in broadcasting, four World Cups, four Olympic Games, countless major finals. By every measure, I made it. But my daughter once drew a picture of me that is burned in my memory.”
Natalie recalled a poignant moment when, while occupied with work, her young daughter had used a childhood drawing to highlight just how much family time was slipping away.
She added: “I was laying down (pregnant) and working on my phone. She was just four years old. And she was right. Successful on paper. Spinning plates in real life. Good at your job but your own harshest critic, missing key moments with your family, wondering if this is really it? I SEE YOU.”
Natalie Pirks has stepped down from her role (Image: Natalie Pirks/Instagram)
“Here’s what these decades have actually taught me: Your job is the most important of the least important things. I’m running towards balance and presence, using all the skills I’ve learned in 25 years in the media.
“Have you ever felt like there is a whole other life out there for you? That you are still ambitious and have plenty to give but crave more peace in your work? Let me know in the comments if I’m not alone and follow if you can relate. The best is just beginning…”
Natalie’s heartfelt post certainly drew considerable attention from her fellow broadcasting professionals, with Laura Woods, renowned for her sports presenting work across ITV, Amazon and TalkSport, responding: “RELATE x 1000000000 well done Nat, this is amazing xxx”
Fellow BBC presenter Kelly Somers, who spent four years on Match of the Day and now fronts the UEFA Nations League coverage, added: “Totally, totally relate!!! Will never forget standing with you in a mixed zone in Russia and you talking about your girls at home and thinking what an amazing role model you were for them.”
The broadcaster wants to explore other areas (Image: Natalie Pirks/Instagram)
Sports fans were equally swift to offer their warm wishes to Natalie following her announcement, with one commenting: “Wishing you every success and happiness in the future Natalie.”
Another added: “Nat, I’ve watched and admired from afar as you’ve aced this career, but I’m right there with you. Finding balance is hard and these are important years in your family’s lives – make the most of it.”
A third remarked: “Bravo Natalie. Brave but right thing to do. No regrets! Do what you want to do, not what others think you should be doing. That’s exactly what I did and have never looked back. And congrats on the career………so far!!!”
A fourth said: “Loving this for you! You’ve done so well to juggle things but also imagine how well you could do if you didn’t have to juggle things all the time!”
