BBC Presenter Susie Fowler-Watt Leaves After 35 Years to Pursue a New Career

Susie Fowler-Watt, one of the BBC’s longest-serving news presenters, is preparing to leave the corporation after 35 years to begin a new chapter as a psychotherapist.

The journalist has been a familiar face on BBC Look East for almost three decades. She has now confirmed that she will step away from the programme just before Christmas, bringing a remarkable broadcasting career to a close as she turns her attention to a profession she has been training for in recent years.

In a video message announcing her departure, Fowler-Watt reflected on her long association with the regional news programme and explained why she had decided it was time for a change.

“I’ve been sitting on this sofa or a version of it for nearly 30 years now presenting the programme,” she said.

She continued: “I’ve been at the BBC for 35, but I have some news, I am leaving the BBC because I want to concentrate on my new career as a psychotherapist. I went and trained when I was 50, six years ago, and I am now really keen to invest in that new chapter in my life.”

Despite her decision to leave, Fowler-Watt made clear how much her time at the BBC had meant to her.

“But oh my goodness, what a joy this job has been, what a privilege it has been. I have loved it. I have worked with such wonderful people and met so many wonderful people in my career,” she said.

She also thanked viewers for their support and confirmed that she would remain on screen for several more weeks before saying her final goodbye.

“I want to say thank-you all for watching and I will be here for another eight weeks or so, and I will say a proper goodbye when I go just before Christmas.”

A BBC Career Spanning More Than Three Decades

Fowler-Watt began her broadcasting career in 1991 at BBC Radio Surrey. She went on to take on a variety of reporting, producing and presenting positions across local radio before joining the BBC’s political unit at Westminster, where she worked on national television programmes.

She later became a political correspondent for BBC East, reporting at a time when the prime minister and many members of the Cabinet represented constituencies in the region.

Over the course of her career, she interviewed eight prime ministers and covered some of the most significant stories in the UK.

Her reporting included the Soham murders, the trial of serial killer Steve Wright, the Covid pandemic and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Her work on BBC Look East made her a familiar and trusted presence for audiences across the east of England, where she spent nearly 30 years presenting the news.

BBC Pays Tribute to Fowler-Watt’s Contribution

Robert Thompson, director of production for BBC Local, praised Fowler-Watt’s long service and the impact she had made on regional broadcasting.

“Susie has made an outstanding contribution to the BBC and audiences across the east of England,” he said.

He added: “A trusted voice through both good times and challenging moments, she has championed the region and its communities with warmth, integrity, and professionalism. We thank her for her dedication and lasting impact, she leaves us with our warmest of wishes and huge thanks.”

His comments recognised Fowler-Watt’s role in covering both major national events and the stories that mattered to communities across the region.

When Will Susie Fowler-Watt Leave BBC Look East?

Fowler-Watt’s final day on air is scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2026.

After 35 years with the BBC and almost three decades presenting BBC Look East, she will leave the corporation to focus on her work as a psychotherapist, beginning a new professional chapter after a long career in journalism.