Lynette Fay to leave BBC Radio Ulster

Lynette Fay joined BBC Northern Ireland in 2001

Broadcaster Lynette Fay has announced she is leaving the BBC.

She has been with BBC Northern Ireland since 2001 and has presented her own afternoon show on Radio Ulster since 2019.

Fay also presents the weekly Folk Club programme.

Announcing her departure on air, Fay said it was time for her to "move on, evolve and embrace the new opportunities awaiting me".

Fay joined the BBC as a producer and presenter with BBC Radio Ulster’s Irish language programme, Blas.

She also presented Opry an Iúir alongside Daniel O'Donnell.

Fay, who's from Dungannon, thanked listeners and viewers "for opening their hearts and homes to me"

"Amplifying local life through the female lens and sparking conversations that have made people sit up and take notice has given me memories to hold dear for many years, while Folk Club has let me into the heart of our vibrant, flourishing folk music scene, a role I will always cherish," she said in a statement.

Fay was named Presenter of the Year (Sound) at the Celtic Media Festival Awards in June 2024.

Emma Dunseith, BBC Northern Ireland's head of content production, said: “We understand that Lynette is keen to pursue new opportunities outside the BBC.

"We’re grateful for her on-air contribution to many different programmes over the years.”

The final programme on The Lynette Fay Show will be Thursday 26 September.

Her last Folk Club programme will be Saturday 28 September.