Rob Smith to leave BBC South East Today

BBC South East Today presenter Rob Smith today announced he is leaving the corporation after 25 years.

“This is a huge decision for me – I joined BBC Radio Kent back in 1995 when we still edited on quarter inch tape with a razorblade and a chinagraph pencil,” said Rob

“So much has changed. 25 years of making friendships, and building my life. I met my wife Gemma at Radio Kent, and our home and our family is here in Kent.”

He is due to sign off on Tuesday 3rd November, when co-presenter Natalie Graham will continue as lead presenter.

Smith has covered thousands of stories for BBC South East Today, including the Shoreham Airshow disaster and investigations into sexual abuse in Church of England in Sussex, as well as interviewing a man who kept a 6ft lizard in his bath.

“Making live TV news is a team sport. There has been so much fun and laughter as well – alongside Polly Evans for many years, and then Natalie Graham more recently,” Smith added.

He made headlines in 2008 when he sailed 2,000 miles around Britain in his yacht, raising £15,000 for charity, and again in 2018 when he canoed the Medway for Sport Relief.