Tributes have flooded in for BBC Senior Sports Journalist Nishat Ladha who has left the broadcaster after a 30 year career. The star announced the news on X on Tuesday July 2. Alongside a picture of her waving and smiling behind the microphone in a BBC radio studio she revealed that it was her final day. “After more than 30 yrs (with a brief break) it’s my last day at the BBC. It’s been an immense privilege to present sport on @bbcworldservice From Pebble Mill in the early 90’s to @BBCNorthampton to @5liveSport to @BBCWSSport to @BBCAfrica, it’s been quite a ride,” she penned.

Listeners were quick to express their dismay at her departure taking tothe comments to share their feelings. “Ohh no! You were the best. I recall that 2022 (I think that was the year) when I vividly followed every step due to your (and the entire BBC‘s) best commentry. Where next?” one wrote.

“Oh Nish. Can’t believe you are leaving the BBC. You’ve been part of life for nearly two decades. I truly enjoy your soothing voice. BBC can never be the same again. Best wishes,” another added.

A third chimed in: “Nish Omg! Congratulations on a wonderful career! It was amazing working with you, you are a true professional – your expertise, warmth, and ease you bring to work. I benefited greatly from that in my early years at the Beeb. Stay blessed.”

A fourth shared: “Nish the BBC airwaves will not be the same without you!! Good luck in whatever you do next xx.”

“Congratulations on a fantastic BBC career Nish, wish you all the best!” a fifth offered. Meanwhile a former colleague gushed: “Nish Omg! Congratulations on a wonderful career! It was amazing working with you, you are a true professional – your expertise, warmth, and ease you bring to work. I benefited greatly from that in my early years at the Beeb. Stay blessed.”

Nishat began her career at the famous Pebble Millstudios on July 13 1994. She marked the 30th anniversary recently with a poignant post on X.

“Feeling nostalgic. It was exactly 30 years ago today that I started my first contract with the BBC as a trainee sports reporter at Pebble Mill in Birmingham.

“I was still at Uni & it was just meant to be for 6 months. A whole lot of life – & top sport – has happened since then,” she wrote.

In recent years she had mainly been heard on @BBCAfrica although she has worked across the board on multiple shows in her three decades with the BBC.