Bargain Hunt icon Natasha Raskin Sharp has announced the end of her show with a heartbroken statement. Posting to Instagram yesterday (December 11), the BBC star reflected on her start at BBC Radio Scotland and confirmed that her radio show, which she has presented since 2016, is coming to an end.
Natasha shared a throwback snap showing her wrapped in a blanket, writing: “This day, 2017. Wrapped up in my old flat, and almost one year into my new radio weekly show on BBC Radio Scotland. That show is almost wrapped up, too – only one week left! – but producer Nick and I have had an absolutely marvellous time. Thank you for all your kind messages of late – they really are greatly appreciated.
“Tonight’s penultimate show is pre-recorded (thanks, football) and it starts at 11pm, so it’s only one hour long – but it’s a very happy hour, in which we revisit a bunch of features we’ve had on the show from 2017-now.
“Check it out, if you fancy, on BBC Sounds or BBC.com. PS: According to my notes, this was also the week in 2017 that my brother introduced me to this absolute banger of a track. Might play it on my last show next week – gotta go out with a bit of pizzaz!”
Fans have rushed to support Natasha, with a petition set up to reverse Radio Scotland’s decision to axe a series of shows, which have been described as a “cultural lifeline”.
A series of programmes have been axed, including Natasha’s, along with The Iain Anderson Show and Billy Sloan’s programme.
More than 13,000 people have already signed the petition. The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) also called for a reversal of the plans as it fears “the decisions will negatively impact Scotland’s grassroots musicians”.
A BBC spokesperson said: “It’s not unusual for radio stations to undergo changes, particularly in an increasingly competitive audio market and, whilst we understand some audiences may be disappointed, it is important that BBC Radio Scotland continues to listen to audience feedback and evolve its offer.”