BBC Radio 5 Live's Tony Livesey quits after 16 years

Tony Livesey has left the BBC, the broadcaster has announced <i>(Image: BBC Sounds/YouTube)</i>
Tony Livesey has left the BBC, the broadcaster has announced (Image: BBC Sounds/YouTube)
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A presenter who has worked at BBC Radio 5 Live for 16 years has announced his departure, the broadcaster has confirmed.

Known for his weekday late night talk show, Tony Livesey quit in June.

He stepped back after allegations against his former newspaper employer, David Sullivan, surfaced.

Mr Livesey was previously editor-in-chief at the Daily and Sunday Sport publications, owned by billionaire and West Ham co-owner Mr Sullivan.

Tony Livesey leaves BBC Radio 5 Live after 16 years on air

Sullivan has been accused of abusing his power and preying on several women for sex, including when some were teenagers, the BBC reports.

He has denied all the allegations.

The BBC said previously that Livesey had asked to take a break from presenting his programme while an investigation into the allegations took place.

One alleged victim claims that in 1999 Livesey had arranged a meeting between her and Sullivan.

However, Mr Livesey said he had "no recollection" of introducing the pair and insisted it was "not part" of his job.

While he said he had "great sympathy for a woman who may have become a victim", he said he hadn't played "any role whatsoever in that scenario" and that the allegation was "abhorrent".

In an email sent to 5 Live staff this morning (August 3), Heidi Dawson, the station's controller, announced Livesey has left after a 16-year stint at the radio station.

She said in the letter: "Tony has asked me to pass on his heartfelt thanks to the brilliant colleagues at 5 Live who he has had the pleasure of working with over the years."


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Heidi added: "I know many of you have also really enjoyed working with Tony, and we wish him well for all his future endeavours."

Tony joined the BBC in 2006 after leaving the newspaper industry, and began working at 5 Live in 2010.

During his time at 5 Live, he won ARIA and APA awards for his reporting on childhood bereavement, and an ARIAS gold award for Dame Deborah James’ final interview.

His three-hour programme aired Monday to Thursday on 5 Live and featured interviews and listener calls.

Do you listen to BBC Radio 5 Live? Let us know in the comments below.

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