All the BBC presenters who have quit amid 'humiliating' screen tests to keep jobs

Following an investigation into a "sham" recruitment process by the BBC, more stars have quit the broadcaster for pastures new, after experienced news anchors were subject to 'humiliating' auditions

Three BBC presenters sensationally quit their roles as news anchors with the broadcaster, after being asked to audition to keep their jobs in "humiliating" screen tests.

It is reported that David Eades, Joanna Gosling, and Tim Willcox opted to take voluntary redundancy instead of competing with around 15 journalists for a total of six jobs. The reshuffle aimed to create a new team of six lead presenters, which merged the UK 24 hour news service and BBC World News.

As part of the recruitment process for the new service, all presenters were asked to take screen tests in a small studio. It would mean some journalists with decades of experience are interviewed for the job they've been doing for years.

According to reports, the studio used for the tests does not have the technology of the modern studios they are used to. It is claimed that presenters were to be responsible for operating their own autocues, with BBC bosses watching on to assess them.

As reported by Deadline in 2023, sources have said the three set to leave the broadcaster found the request "humiliating". One insider told the outlet: “I think they [Eades, Gosling, and Willcox] could not face the prospect of having to go through this ignominious process,” while a second source added: “People are incandescent. It’s humiliating — you feel like you’re 21 again and applying for your first job on the BBC."

Another said that the tests are said to help judge the presenters on their performance to "level the playing field". There is also reported to be a higher pay grade for those who get through, claiming they could be earning up to a £230,000 salary. After leaving the BBC, Joanna Gosling went on to describe the "horrible" experience she had with the broadcaster, which lead to her leaving her profession entirely and retraining.

The BBC then launched an "investigation" after becoming embroiled in an "ageism" row in August 2023, with critics labelling the recruitment process avoided by the three presenters a "sham". One of those who did go for one of the jobs at the time told The Times that bosses "were behind a fig-leaf selection process that was predetermined months before anyone did a job interview". Another slammed the process as "rigged" and a third said the stars chosen was "common knowledge" before the interview process.

The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

Other stars who quit BBC roles

Following the BBC News reshuffle, a series of other long-standing presenters have since followed suit and left the broadcaster. One of those is revered Today presenter Mishal Husain. It was announced on Wednesday that Mishal - who joined the BBC 24 years ago in 1998 - will leave the station in the new year.

Mishal, was also a presenter for BBC World News, said: "My time at the BBC has involved many memorable moments, going to places I would never otherwise have seen, witnessing history and being part of live, national conversation on Radio 4. I will always be grateful for the opportunities the BBC gave me, and wish the organisation and everyone who is part of it the very best."

Editor of Today, Owenna Griffiths, described her as a "formidable journalist", while CEO of BBC News Deborah Turness stated she has an "incredible journalistic legacy".

Mishal's departure comes after Match of the Day star Gary Linekar announced he was leaving after 25 years fronting the show. The 63-year-old has since gone on to confirm he has taken a role where he will manage a team in the Baller League, a competition that will launch in the UK and the USA for the first time next year. It will see the former Leicester City player join forces with his MOTD colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards to coach one of the UK teams.

As well as Gary, another familiar face to quit the a BBC role this year is Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball. The 53-year-old announced to shocked fans that she would be leaving the Breakfast Show on December 20, to be taken over by Scott Mills in the new year. Zoe replaced Chris Evans in 2019 and said she is now ready to "step away from the very early mornings" and added: "I won't miss the 4am alarm call, if I'm completely honest."

But although she's leaving her slot, she will still be "part of the Radio 2 family", saying she will have "more news in the New Year."

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