BBC Presenter Kirsty Wark Bids Farewell to Newsnight After 30 Years

BBC presenter Kirsty Wark has bid a heartfelt farewell to Newsnight after an illustrious 30-year career on the show. Having joined the news and current affairs programme in 1993, Wark’s departure from the longest-serving presenter role marks the end of an era.

During her final show on Friday night, a star-studded lineup including former colleagues and interviewees gathered to pay tribute to the esteemed journalist. Scottish actor Alan Cumming, outgoing Today presenter Martha Kearney, former Newsnight journalist Lewis Goodall, and Newsnight’s political editor Nicholas Watt were among those who joined Wark on her last broadcast.

The evening’s discussions centered around the US election and Joe Biden‘s candidacy, yet the spotlight quickly shifted to Wark herself. Impressionist Jan Ravens delighted viewers with her imitation of the journalist, followed by a compelling montage showcasing Wark’s interviews with notable figures like Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Elton John, and George Michael.

Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Nicola Sturgeon, and David Cameron were among the former political leaders who shared their warm wishes for Wark. Blair described her as ‘tough but fair’, while Brown hailed her as a ‘pathbreaker in British journalism’. Sturgeon reflected on her early encounters with Wark, acknowledging her as a broadcasting titan who has left an indelible mark on the industry.

Amidst the tributes, Wark’s Newsnight co-host Emily Maitlis affectionately referred to her as the ‘Queen of Newsnight’, emphasizing the deep admiration and respect Wark commands among her peers.

As she drew to a close, Wark expressed her gratitude, stating, ‘It has been an honour and a blast.’ She assured viewers that the show must go on, teasing the return of Victoria Derbyshire to the screen on Monday as she signed off with the timeless words, ‘Good night, and good luck’.