BBC star Natalie Pirks, who has appeared across numerous sports programmes, has quit her presenting career after more than a decade on air after making a heartbreaking realisation about her family life.
17:27, 05 May 2026Updated 17:28, 05 May 2026
The star has been a mainstay on BBC Sports for over a decade (Image: Natalie Pirks/Instagram)
BBC star Natalie Pirks has quit her presenting career after more than a decade on air. The broadcaster has been a mainstay on BBC Sports since 2013 and during that time, she has provided coverage on major events such as the World Cup and the Olympics.
But on Tuesday, the TV star, who is mother to Ariella 14, as well as 10-year-old Soraya with her husband Diego Rincon took to social media to announce that she is saying goodbye to viewers such a long time because
She wrote on Instagram: “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.”
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The star has been a mainstay on BBC Sports for over a decade (Image: Natalie Pirks/Instagram)
Natalie just wondered if there was something else out there for her (Image: Natalie Pirks/Instagram)
Natalie recalled a time when she was busy working but, through the medium of a childhood drawing, her daughter had reminded her that she was missing out on time with her family.
She 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.
“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…”
Natalie shared this picture her daughter had drawn for her (Image: Natalie Pirks/Instagram)
Natalie was supported by her fellow presenters in her decision(Image: Natalie Pirks/Instagram)
Natalie’s candid post certainly attracted attention from her industry peers, with Laura Woods, known for her sports presenting across ITV, Amazon and TalkSport, wrote: “RELATE x 1000000000 well done Nat, this is amazing xxx”
Meanwhile, her fellow BBC star Kelly Somers, who had a four-year stint on Match of the Day and now hosts the UEFA Nations League, said: “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.”
Sports fans were also quick to send their wellwishes to Natalie following her announcement, with one writing: “Wishing you every success and happiness in the future Natalie.”
Another said: “Nat, I’ve watched and admired from afar as you’ve aced this career, but I’m right there with you. Finding balance is hard and these are important years in your family’s lives – make the most of it.”
A third wrote: “Bravo Natalie. Brave but right thing to do. No regrets! Do what you want to do, not what others think you should be doing. That’s exactly what I did and have never looked back. And congrats on the career………so far!!!”
A fourth said: “Loving this for you! You’ve done so well to juggle things but also imagine how well you could do if you didn’t have to juggle things all the time!”
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