I quit my job at the BBC after almost 30 years for a radical career change - Tom Hanks gave me some great words of wisdom

A former BBC news anchor has revealed why she quit her role after almost three decades for a radical career change.

Rebecca Jones, from London , reported on the Queen's death, the war in Ukraine and the London Bridge terror attack during her 28 years at the BBC.

Following a health scare in 2021, the mother-of-one decided to quit her high-pressure role and retrain as a Barrecore instructor. The workout combines elements of ballet, pilates and yoga.

Writing for The Times , Rebecca explained how she qualified around the time of 58th birthday - having taken up Barrecore classes back in 2011.

She wrote: 'Undoubtedly it helped my sanity and stamina while I was working in the hectic environment of the newsroom.'

Although Rebecca had always dreamt of becoming an instructor, the news reader was concerned about taking a pay cut in order to do so.

In 2021, the broadcaster was hospitalised when she began experiencing shooting pains and dizziness while at work.

Following an evening in A&E, Rebecca was told she was suffering from burnout and was subsequent signed off work for one month.

During this time, the news anchor - who was also the BBC's Art Correspondent - still struggled not to work.

She added: 'I also come from a generation of women who felt that to survive in the workplace you needed to plough on and deliver. But I recognised I was at a turning point. It gradually dawned on me that things had to change, not only for my health, but also for my happiness.'

Not long after, Rebecca realised she needed to quit her job - but still allowed the idea to 'marinade' for 18 months as she considered her options.

In August 2023, Rebecca officially left her position and was encouraged by her 'exasperated' husband to finally audition to became a Barrecore instructor six months later. At the time, her son was almost done with university and she no longer felt under such intense financial pressure.

After sending in a video, Rebecca was invited into a studio - and admitted it was 'daunting' to be the oldest in a room full of twenty-something men and women.

However, the ex-journalist says she was surprised by how 'friendly and supportive' her peers were during the intensive course - consisting of five weeks of training followed by giving free classes.

Around the time of her 58th birthday, Rebecca qualified as a Barrecore teacher and says the drastic change in career has been 'terrifying and invigorating'.

The former broadcaster now teaches between six and 14 classes across London - including weekends, early starts and late finishes.

She added: 'But I'm no longer at the beck and call of the news desk and I am in control of what I do. I sleep better, there are no more heart palpitations and after years in pain, my stiff neck and frozen shoulder have disappeared.'

What's more, Tom Hanks was one of the first people she told about her career change.

After interviewing him for BBC Radio 4's Today programme last summer, Rebecca confided in the Hollywood star about her plans to leave.

Months later, the pair reconnected when Rebecca interviewed Tom again in front of a live audience at the Liverpool Empire to promote his book.

'Good luck on that new adventure,' he wrote to her. 'Closer and closer to your status as a creature of a renaissance.'