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ITV news legend quits after 36 years on screen as they admit it’s ‘saddest of weeks’

An ITV news anchor is leaving her job after 36 years.

Lucy Meacock has announced she is bidding farewell to ITV’s Granada Reports after a whopping 36 years on screens. However, she admitted deciding to go was “one of the most difficult decisions” they had ever had to make.

It was confirmed last month that the popular presenter had decided to “move on” after more than three decades presenting the North West news programme. However, she has since told viewers she will be “bowing out quietly” during what has been the “saddest of weeks”.

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Revealing her exit, Lucy said: “This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. But the time is right to move on now. For me it has always been the best job in the world, with the best people in the world, in the best region in the world.

Lucy Meacock is stepping down after 36 years at ITV Granada
(Image: ITV)

“I am very grateful that I was given this job so many years ago. I have always tried my hardest to make a positive contribution and I hope I will be remembered with some fondness in the years ahead.

“It has been a complete honour and privilege to serve the people of this region and I will always have the interests of the north west at heart. A big thank you to all the people who have appeared on the programme over the years, sometimes when they have been facing some very tough challenges.”

The broadcaster said the decision to leave was “one of the most difficult decisions” she’s had to make
(Image: ITV)

Praising her colleagues, she added: “I’d also like to say a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful people who I have worked with in more than 40 years in TV and thank you to our viewers who have been kind enough to invite us into their homes. We have really appreciated that. I have often been overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of our viewers in difficult times, especially when we lost Tony Wilson and Tony Morris.

“What a joy it was to work with them both – I still hear both of them quoted often and I still have their numbers in my phone. I have certainly been lucky to work with the best of the best.”

Fans wished the presenter well
(Image: Getty Images)

Lucy took to X on Wednesday (July 31) to bid an emotional farewell to viewers – but she wanted to do so quietly out of respect to those affected by the horrific stabbing in Southport. She shared a video of the sea of emotional tributes in Southport following the attack earlier this week that claimed the lives of three young girls.

She said: “I will bow out quietly – it’s been the saddest of weeks. Like everyone else my thoughts are only with those little girls who lost their lives in Southport. I have met some of the loveliest people this week & over my 36 years @granadareports. It has been a privilege Thank you.”

Her followers rushed to share their support for Lucy. One said: “You’ll be badly missed Lucy. Enjoy whatever comes next.” Another commented: “Missing you already. Good luck in everything you do.”A third added: “All the best Lucy. So good to see you today, such a shame it was in those circumstances. You always present with such dignity and compassion. You will be missed.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


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