Andrew Marr has announced that he will be leaving the BBC after 21 years.

He has presented his Sunday morning program The Andrew Marr Show for the past 16 years and will be moving to Global. 

Marr, 62,  said he is keen to "get his voice back" and will write a regular column for LBC's website. 

Marr wrote on Twitter: "Personal announcement. After 21 years, I have decided to move on from the BBC," his statement posted on social media said.

"l leave behind many happy memories and wonderful colleagues. But from the New Year I am moving to Global to write and present political and cultural shows, and to write for newspapers.

"I think British politics and public life are going to go through an even more turbulent decade, and as I've said, I am keen to get my own voice back."

"I have been doing the Andrew Marr show every Sunday morning for 16 years now and that is probably more than enough time for anybody!"

This Is Local London: Andrew Marr in the LBC studio in London (PA/Global)Andrew Marr in the LBC studio in London (PA/Global)

The departure leaves an opening for one of the highest-profile jobs in the industry, and there are a few contenders in the running for his prime-time TV slot on Sunday mornings. 

It comes after Laura Kuenssburg revealed she is also stepping down as the BBC's political editor, with no clear path for the future.

Who could take over from Andrew Marr?

Laura Kuenssberg

The BBC’s political editor is likely to be among the frontrunners for the job.

Kuenssberg has been in her role for the past six years and is reportedly joining the Today programme as part of a reshuffle of the BBC’s on-air staff.

Zeinab Badawi

The presenter of BBC Global Questions and HardTalk has hosted Marr’s show before so would be a familiar face to his regular viewers.

She is bookmaker Coral’s favourite to take over, with odds of 2-1.

Emily Maitlis

The presenter of Newsnight has done high profile interviews with the Duke of York, Donald Trump and Bill Clinton and would be very comfortable grilling the world's leaders. 

Andrew Neil

Neil stepped down from his BBC role to join GB News, but recently said it was a "huge mistake" and is reportedly in talks with the BBC for his return. 

Nick Robinson

Another former BBC political editor, Robinson is currently a presenter of both BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme and Political Thinking.

Clive Myrie

A regular presenter of BBC News At Six and Ten since 2010, the broadcaster now hosts Mastermind. 

Victoria Derbyshire

The I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2019 contestant is also an award-winning present, with programmes on Newsnight and Panorama. 

She had her own show on BBC Two which was axed in early 2020. 

Amol Rajan

The BBC’s media editor is a presenter of the Today programme on Radio 4, as well as Start The Week.

He also used to present The Media Show podcast. 

Sophie Raworth

Raworth is one of the main presenters of the BBC News At Six and Ten.

She is also known for election night coverage and Watchdog.