BBC News reporter Rory Cellan-Jones leaves broadcaster after 40 years
Technology reporter Rory Cellan-Jones has announced he’s leaving the BBC after 40 years.
Cellan-Jones, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, is currently a technology correspondent for the broadcaster, but has confirmed he will be moving on to new projects in the coming months.
Sharing the news on Twitter alongside a photograph of him filming a segment, the 63-year-old wrote: “Some personal news..in late October I shall be leaving the BBC.
Read more: Louise Minchin leaving 'BBC Breakfast' after 20 years
“I’ve had the most fabulous time working with brilliant people, But after 40 years it’s time to move on…”
Starting work as a researcher of Yorkshire’s BBC news programme Look North back in 1981, Cellan-Jones worked his way from behind-the-scenes to on-screen talent.
Watch: Louise Minchin announces she is leaving BBC Breakfast
Some personal news..in late October I shall be leaving the BBC.
I’ve had the most fabulous time working with brilliant people,
But after 40 years it’s time to move on… pic.twitter.com/9LUFW7Fq3X— Rory Cellan-Jones (@ruskin147) August 3, 2021
After a period as a TV producer, he later became a business reporter on The Money Programme and Working lunch, before moving over into technology.
In 2019, Cellan-Jones was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, but it is not known if this had an influence on his decision to leave.
I wish you all the best for the future Rory. I love your analysis and insight but, above all that, you are a thoroughly decent bloke. Take care.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) August 3, 2021
As part of the announcement, the journalist shared photographs of his years at the Beeb, including meeting tech juggernaut Elon Musk and pictures with his colleagues.
Read more: Dan Walker admits he misses 'back and forth' with former breakfast TV rival Piers Morgan
On the news, stars including BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty and Dan Walker sent their regards as they celebrated his landmark time in the industry.
“I wish you all the best for the future Rory. I love your analysis and insight but, above all that, you are a thoroughly decent bloke. Take care,” wrote Walker.
Munchetty added: “You utterly brilliant man – You will be sorely missed x”
Peter Ruddick, senior broadcast journalist also at BBC Breakfast, said: “This is devastating news. For us at the BBC and for viewers. Rory was one of the first people I interacted with on Twitter as an early adopter.
“I was so proud to join the BBC and then to produce a VT with [Cellan-Jones] sticking computer chips to bees. He is lovely and clever.”
Watch: Rory Cellan-Jones addresses the 2021 Parkinson's Cambridge Cuppa and Cake Meeting
