An ITV News legend has left the show after 36 years on screen, it was revealed on Wednesday.
Lucy Meacock, 64, said she was “quietly retiring” after “one of the saddest weeks”, referring to the tragic Southport stabbings, when three young people lost their lives.
In her post, she shared a heartbreaking video of families laying flowers at the scene where the horrific murders occurred.
She has been one of the leading female news presenters on ITV’s regional news programme Granada Reports since 1988 and celebrated 35 years presenting the programme in November 2023 aged 64.
Last month it was confirmed that the popular presenter had decided to “move on” after more than three decades presenting the North West news programme.
An ITV News legend has left the show after 36 years on screen, it was revealed on Wednesday.
Lucy Meacock, 64, said she was “quietly retiring” after “one of the saddest weeks”, referring to the tragic Southport stabbings when three young people lost their lives.
He then confirmed it on Wednesday with a statement on Twitter, where he said it had been a “privilege” to have the job.
He wrote on Twitter: “I will be quietly going away. It’s been a very sad week. Like everyone else, my thoughts are only with those girls who lost their lives in Southport.”
“This week and throughout my 36 years I have met some of the most wonderful people. It has been a privilege. Thank you.”
Revealing her exit, Lucy said: ‘This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.
“But now is the right time to move on. 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.
‘I am very grateful to have been given this job all those years ago. I have always done my best to make a positive contribution and I hope I will be remembered fondly in the years to come.
‘It has been an absolute 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 show over the years, sometimes when they have faced very difficult challenges.’
She has been one of the main female news presenters on ITV’s regional news programme, Granada Reports since 1988 and celebrated 35 years presenting the programme in November 2023 aged 64 (seen in 2001).
Last month it was confirmed that the popular presenter had decided to “move on” after more than three decades presenting the North West news programme (seen with comedian Peter Kay on the show in 2013).
Praising her colleagues, she added: ‘I would also like to say a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful people I have worked with over 40 years in television and to our viewers who have been kind enough to invite us into their homes.
“We’ve really appreciated it. I’ve often been overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of our viewers in difficult times, especially when we lost Tony Wilson and Tony Morris.
‘It was a joy to work with both of them. I still hear them mentioned often and I still have their numbers in my phone.
“I have certainly been lucky enough to work with the best of the best.”
Fans sent her well wishes on her post, saying: “You are a legend around these parts Lucy. Best wishes.”
“We will miss you very much, Lucy. Enjoy whatever comes next.”
‘I know you’ll never accept it, Lucy, but you are a living legend and that’s a fact. It has been a real pleasure and privilege to have worked with you for a short period. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours!’
‘Lucy, I’ve watched you on my TV screen for 36 years. You have the most wonderful way of reporting the good, sad, serious and sometimes funny news happening in the North West. You’ve always done it with pride, dignity and professionalism. All the best, Lucy ‘,
“Best wishes for the future, Lucy! I remember giving you instructions when you called a workshop I was working at. I was blown away! X”
Journalists Lucy Meacock, Claire Ashforth and Mary Nightingale pictured together in 2016
Praising his colleagues, he added: “I would also like to wholeheartedly thank the wonderful people I have worked with over 40 years in television.”
