‘I SEE YOU’ 

BBC presenter quits after 13 years as heartbreaking message from daughter, 4, ‘burned in my memory’

BBC Sport presenter Natalie Pirks has quit broadcasting after 13 years following a heartbreaking plea from her four-year-old daughter.

Pirks revealed the emotional message from her little girl that made her realise it was time to step away.

7

7

In a thoughtful post on Tuesday, Pirks wrote: “In two weeks I’m leaving the job I always dreamed of having.

“Here’s why: Twenty-plus years in broadcasting, four World Cups, four Olympic Games, countless major finals.

“By every measure, I made it. But my daughter once drew a picture of me that is burned in my memory.”

The post was a snapshot of her daughter’s drawing of her mum on her phone.

7

7

Pirks added: “I was laying down (pregnant) and working on my phone. She was just four years old.

“And she was right. Successful on paper. Spinning plates in real life. Good at your job but your own harshest critic, missing key moments with your family, wondering if this is really it? I SEE YOU.”

Pirks even revealed what the most valuable lessons from her career have been so far.

She said: “Here’s what these decades have actually taught me: Your job is the most important of the least important things.

“I’m running towards balance and presence, using all the skills I’ve learned in 25 years in the media.

“Have you ever felt like there is a whole other life out there for you? That you are still ambitious and have plenty to give but crave more peace in your work?

“Let me know in the comments if I’m not alone and follow if you can relate. The best is just beginning…”

Pirks has made herself a familiar face across the BBC’s flagship news programmes, often co-anchoring live on location.

7

7

She has guided viewers through some of the biggest sporting moments of the modern era.

From England men’s rollercoaster Euros campaigns to the Lionesses’ historic Euro 2022 triumph, she has been a familiar presence on nights that gripped the nation.

Her career has also taken her to World Cups in South Africa, Brazil, Russia and Qatar, while she was at the heart of the BBC’s coverage of London 2012 – including the unforgettable Super Saturday that became one of British sport’s defining moments.

Pirks has received an overwhelming amount of support for the post.

Laura Woods commented: “RELATE x 1000000000 well done Nat, this is amazing xxx.”

Kelly Sommers wrote: “Totally, totally relate!!! Will never forget standing with you in a mixed zone in Russia and you talking about your girls at home and thinking what an amazing role model you were for them.”

7