Mishal Husain finishes her last ever Today programme with an emotional send-off as she leaves BBC...

Mishal Husain wrapped up her 26-year journey at the BBC with a heartfelt farewell as she hosted her last Today programme this morning.

The Radio 4 host, who led various debates for the BBC regarding the 2024 general election this year, began working with the organization in 1998 and has been the presenter of the Today programme for the past 11 years.

Radio 4 welcomed former colleagues to the studio and showcased some of Huskain's notable career moments as the BBC honored their standout presenter, who was once referred to by The Telegraph as 'The Today programme's chief questioner'.

Husain, along with her fellow presenters Nick Robinson and Justin Webb, was in the studio with former Today hosts Sarah Montague and John Humphrys. During the discussion, Humphrys asked the soon-to-be-retired star if her decision to leave was her own choice or if she felt pressured to go.

In her last words on the show, Husain, accompanied by her husband, expressed: "The time has come for me to say goodbye to both this program and the BBC."

During my time here, I've uncovered more about myself than I ever realized existed, and I continue to explore what else I might find within.

In my faith's tradition, those who embarked on pilgrimages in previous generations would often say goodbye to their friends and loved ones. They would also seek forgiveness, as it was common for many not to return from the challenging journey.

I hope you can find it in your heart to overlook the times I messed up the pips, manipulated the weather, and committed other questionable acts...

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all my colleagues at the BBC, both in the UK and internationally, as well as to you, wherever you may be tuning in. I truly appreciate your time and the trust you've placed in me. On this final morning, I've been given the gift of music, and I’d like to share my selection with you.

As the show's conclusion approached and The Monkees' popular song "Daydream Believer" started to play, Husain wrapped things up by saying, "Good morning and farewell from me."

Mishal Husain hosted her last Today show this morning as she wraps up her 26-year tenure at the BBC.

Radio 4 welcomed past coworkers into the studio to share some memorable moments from Husain's career as the BBC celebrated their standout host.

After a 26-year tenure at the BBC, Mishal Husain will depart from the organization as she concludes her role on the Today program.

Husain started his career at the BBC as a producer and later took on the role of presenter for BBC World News in 2001.

Even though many current and former colleagues expressed their heartfelt tributes, Humphrys asked Husain about her choice to depart.

In classic journalism fashion, Humphrys remarked, "May I pose a challenging question? Were you hoping to leave?"

Husain said, "Now I wish I hadn't suggested that it would be nice to invite John back."

I felt like it was the right moment for me to try something new. I realize that many of you have been part of the program for a longer time, but I believe that stepping outside our comfort zones helps us learn and evolve.

"I've become a much more skilled journalist since 11 years ago. Being part of this program, with its challenges and the constant examination, carries a significant responsibility, but it's also an honor. Throughout all those years, I've grown and evolved, and I realize I'll really miss this experience."

However, Humphrys responded: "You know very well that if you had asked yourself that question, you wouldn't have been able to give that answer. The question was, 'Did you want to go?' You're aware of what people are saying out there, which is that the management decided..."

However, Husain did not provide any additional information regarding her leaving, and the discussion quickly shifted to another topic.

On Tuesday's show, several clips from Husain's past interviews with figures like Sir Keir Starmer, James Cleverly, and Nigel Farage were featured. The guests on the program also expressed their best wishes for her.

In this image, Husain is seen with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak from the Conservative party during a debate that took place in June.

The presenter started working at the BBC in 1998 and has also hosted the recent debates for the UK general elections.

It was once thought that Husain was in discussions with executives at the BBC regarding a potential new position within the organization.

In a recent statement, the 51-year-old reporter shared, "My experience at the BBC has been filled with unforgettable experiences, allowing me to visit locations I might never have seen, observe significant events, and take part in the lively national discussions on Radio 4."

A video was shown of Husain laughing heartily while attempting to introduce a segment about the wealthiest dog in the world, Gunter. During the segment, he humorously remarked, "This is a German Shepherd dog, not a real German shepherd."

As Robinson began the tribute section, he expressed, "The moment has arrived; we can no longer delay it. As much as we wish it weren’t true, today marks Mishal's final day with us."

In expressing his admiration, Humphrys remarked, "Working with her has been an absolute delight, and getting to know her as a person has been equally rewarding."

In the meantime, Montague mentioned, "I still recall that first morning. We weren’t familiar with each other at all. At 4 a.m., she walked in, and I couldn’t believe my eyes—she looked like a supermodel."

Previously, there were two women hosting the Today program, but it faced severe criticism every time. They hadn’t attempted this setup in a while. I recall sitting there when the show began and asking, “Have you checked Twitter?”

You mentioned that you hadn’t taken the plunge. What I witnessed was a complete celebration, a joyful cheer, a bit of an 'about time!' moment, and it felt like you were truly meant for this. I distinctly remember thinking, 'thank goodness'.

Husain, who is 51 years old, is the second person to depart from the show this year, following Martha Kearney's exit during the summer.

Although Kearney has continued to host shows on other BBC platforms, Husain has left completely and revealed that she will be joining Bloomberg.

This is a significant victory for the media company, which is often viewed as less esteemed, particularly in the UK.

This follows reports that she didn't get along well with the new host, Emma Barnett, and had been feeling quite unhappy on the program.

In a recent announcement, the 51-year-old reporter shared, "My experience at the BBC has been filled with unforgettable experiences, allowing me to visit locations I wouldn't have had the chance to see otherwise, experiencing significant historical events, and being an integral part of the live national discussions on Radio 4."

I will forever appreciate the chances I received from the BBC, and I wish the organization and everyone involved all the best in the future.

She subsequently shared the exciting update about her new position at Bloomberg, posting on X: "I've got some news... I'm joining Bloomberg to host a global interview show across multiple platforms as part of the newly introduced Weekend Edition. I'm really looking forward to this new phase in my career and life."

It was thought that Husain was in discussions with executives at the BBC regarding a transition to a different position at the organization after leaving the Today program.

Many reports indicated that management was eager to retain her and were brainstorming new initiatives where the esteemed journalist could contribute.

The announcement, signaling the conclusion of a 26-year career, included a brief statement from Husain that consisted of only two sentences.

At the same time, Deborah Turness, the CEO of BBC News, stated, "Mishal is departing the BBC with an exceptional legacy in journalism. After spending over ten years on the Today program, she leaves us with our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes as she embarks on this new journey."

I'm really looking forward to the possibility of the BBC and Mishal collaborating again in the future.

Talking about her new position, Husain stated, "I'm thrilled to be hosting a fresh interview program that will connect with viewers in various ways as part of the exciting developments for Bloomberg Weekend Edition."

"We live in an increasingly complicated world, yet the need for meaningful discussions transcends boundaries. I'm excited to collaborate with a fresh team at Bloomberg, the organization where I landed my first journalism role."

Husain began his career as a city reporter for the English newspaper The News in Islamabad, Pakistan, when he was just 18 years old.

Following her time at Bloomberg Television, she became a junior producer at BBC News 24 (currently known as BBC News) in 1998.

After that, she began her role as a presenter on BBC World News in 2001, covering various regions including the US, the Middle East, South Asia, Singapore, and China.

The well-respected presenter from the BBC was reported to be continuing on the air until the end of the year.

At the age of 18, Husain began his career as a city reporter for The News, an English-language newspaper based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Since 2013, Husain has been hosting the Today Programme. In 2014, she became the first journalist to visit the school in Peshawar, Pakistan, which was targeted by the Taliban.

Three years later, her interview about her engagement with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became a global sensation.

She has created documentaries about the life of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, the Arab Spring of 2011, the late Queen, and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai.

She has worked as the channel's Washington reporter during the Iraq war and sometimes hosts the News At Ten on weekdays.

Last summer, she led two debates related to the general election, including a direct confrontation between Sir Keir Starmer and the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

In September, the host faced backlash for not adequately addressing the 'antisemitic' remarks made by American-Iranian political analyst Mohammad Marandi, who was a guest on the Today show.

After facing criticism from Jewish organizations, the BBC acknowledged that it could have done a better job of questioning Marandi's choice of words during the live interview.