💔 SAD NEWS: Dewi Llwyd quits BBC after 50 YEARS on air, emotional statement sparks shock and questions among viewers

Dewi Llwyd has announced that he is retiring from the BBC after more than 50 years on air. The Welsh journalist has reported on 20 elections during his career, and this year’s Senedd election programme on BBC Radio Cymru will be his last.

Reflecting on his career, Dewi said: “Leaving the BBC after 46 years makes you feel incredibly grateful for every opportunity – presenting so many different programmes, reporting from all corners of the world, and broadcasting on both radio and television. None of this would have been possible without the support of generations of outstanding colleagues. But there are many others I must thank as well. I will certainly miss all the articulate and knowledgeable people I’ve had the privilege of interviewing over the decades.

“Without their insightful contributions, our programmes simply wouldn’t have been worth listening to. And of course, there would be no programmes at all without the audience who have remained so loyal – viewers and listeners alike – along with the thousands of people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet while preparing programmes such as Newyddion, Pawb a’i Farn, Hawl i Holi and Bore Sul.

“Thank you all, sincerely. I’ve enjoyed every minute, and perhaps the greatest privilege of all has been doing it in Welsh.”

Dafydd Meredydd, Editor of BBC Radio Cymru, said: “On behalf of BBC Wales, I’d like to warmly congratulate Dewi as he announces his retirement at the end of an exceptional career.

“He has been a steady anchor on programmes covering news, politics, elections, the Eisteddfod and so much more. Over the decades he has been a warm presence and an authoritative voice on S4C and on the airwaves of BBC Radio Cymru — with one of the finest voices of his generation. We wish him every happiness for the next chapter.”

Dewi joined the BBC in 1979 and, following a spell as the BBC’s first Political Correspondent for S4C, went on to present and anchor some of the most beloved Welsh-language radio and television programmes, including Newyddion, Pawb a’i Farn, Taro Naw, Hawl i Holi, and Dros Ginio.

Throughout his career, he has witnessed numerous pivotal historical moments. He was present when Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa in 1994. He declared the ‘Yes’ result in Wales’ devolution referendum in 1997, as well as the outcome of the Brexit referendum in 2016. He has also provided coverage of multiple US presidential elections.

In recent years, Dewi has become a recognisable voice on the current affairs programme, Dros Ginio on BBC Radio Cymru, examining Wales and the broader world with contributors from throughout the country and further afield. His final programme will air from the BBC Bangor studio on Friday, May 22.