Solo

The unpleasantness over the departure of Suzanne Virdee from the presentation team of BBC Midlands Today is worrying, but perhaps also an indicator for other BBC regional shows. Suzanne was apparently offered a five month contract (after 11 years with the show) to end in September. The negotiations broke down, and, presumably because Suzanne went "public" with her departure, a phone call was made asking Suzanne not to bother coming in for her last two scheduled appearances.

Some BBC1 regional opts at 6.30pm manage with one presenter - it's standard for BBC London - and it could well be that Helen Boaden and David Holdsworth have decided that should be the norm, with a deadline of September.  If the News Channel is managing with one most of the time....