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Carol Vorderman exits BBC Radio show after government criticism

Carol Vorderman exits BBC Radio show after government criticism
© Reuters
Carol Vorderman leaves her Saturday show on BBC Radio Wales due to the corporation's new social media guidelines.

Carol Vorderman has left her Saturday morning show on BBC Radio Wales after five years.

The 62-year-old agreed with her bosses that she would exit the corporation as a result of new social media rules for stars and staff that would have limited her ability to speak openly on platforms such as X.

The former Countdown co-host has become increasingly outspoken in the area of politics in recent years - and has been highly critical of the Conservative government in particular.

"The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines, which I respect," she said in a statement. "However, despite my show being light-hearted with no political content, it was explained to me that, as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines would apply to all and any content that I post all year round.

Since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I've ultimately found that I'm not prepared to lose my voice on social media, change who I am, or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil this country finds itself in.

"My decision has been to continue to criticise the current UK Government for what it has done to the country which I love – and I'm not prepared to stop. I was brought up to fight for what I believe in, and I will carry on.

"Consequently I have now breached the new guidelines and BBC Wales management have decided I must leave. We each must make our decisions. I'm sad to have to leave the wonderful friends I've made at Radio Wales. I wish them, and all of our listeners, all the love in the world. We laughed a lot, and we will miss each other dearly. But, for now, another interesting chapter begins."

A BBC spokesperson said: "Carol has been a presenter on BBC Radio Wales since 2018. We'd like to thank her for her work and contribution to the station over the past five years."

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