Martin Bashir quits BBC amid Diana probe: Broadcaster steps down as religion editor due to health issues while corporation investigates his securing of 1995 Panorama interview
Martin Bashir has resigned from the BBC for health reasons as an investigation continues into how he obtained his famous 1995 interview with Princess Diana.
The 58-year-old former star reporter at the corporation, who has been on sick leave for months, was rehired by the BBC in 2016 as its religious affairs correspondent.
Mr Bashir allegedly peddled a series of lies and smears designed to lure Diana into his trust, two years before she died in a car crash in Paris.
The news was announced by Jonathan Munro, the BBC’s deputy director of news, in a message to staff which revealed Mr Bashir is facing some ‘ongoing’ health issues.
Martin Bashir (pictured in October 2019) has resigned from the BBC for health reasons
Mr Munro said: ‘Martin Bashir has stepped down from his position as the BBC’s religion editor, and is leaving the corporation.
‘He let us know of his decision last month, just before being readmitted to hospital for another surgical procedure on his heart.
‘Although he underwent major surgery toward the end of last year, he is facing some ongoing issues and has decided to focus on his health.
‘We wish him a complete and speedy recovery.’
Last November the BBC commissioned former Supreme Court judge Lord Dyson to probe allegations that the corporation covered up the trail of deceit by its reporter.
The BBC is also set to broadcast a Panorama investigation – into itself – which is expected to uncover dramatic failings by former corporation chiefs.