A beloved BBC presenter has announced that she will be leaving her “dream job” behind after more than a decade on air and told fans the gut-wrenching reason why
A BBC star has decided to step away from her career after over a decade on air. The broadcaster has been a fixture on BBC Sports since 2013, during which she has reported on major events such as the World Cup and the Olympics.
However, the telly star has now taken to social media to announce that she is bidding farewell to her viewers 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. 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,” reports the Mirror.
Natalie said that the decades have taught her that her job “is the most important of the least important things” and that she is “running towards balance and presence, using all the skills I’ve learned in 25 years in the media.”
She continued: “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 post struck a chord with her industry colleague Laura Woods, known for sports presenting across ITV, Amazon and TalkSport, who wrote: “RELATE x 1000000000 well done Nat, this is amazing xxx”
Meanwhile fellow BBC star Kelly Somers, who enjoyed a four-year run on Match of the Day and now presents the UEFA Nations League, commented: “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.”
Sports enthusiasts also offered their support with one posting: “Wishing you every success and happiness in the future Natalie.” Another commented: “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 penned: “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!!!”
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