Lucy Meacock has decided to leave ITV Granada after 36 years as the main presenter of Granada Reports, ITV’s flagship news program.
Lucy started her broadcasting career at Tyne Tees TV during the Miners’ strike in 1984. Since then, she has become a highly respected presenter and journalist in the northwest. Viewers have welcomed her into their homes since 1988.
Lucy said, “This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. However, it’s time to move on at this point.
“I hope that in the years to come, people will remember me with fondness because I have always done my best to contribute positively.
“I have always tried my hardest to make a positive contribution, and I hope I will be remembered with fondness in the years ahead.
“It has been a complete honor and privilege to serve the people of this region, and I will always have the interests of the northwest at heart. A big thank you to all the people who have appeared on the program over the years, sometimes when they were facing very tough challenges.”
Since joining Granada Television, Lucy has worked on a remarkable variety of programs, including UpFront, The Late Debate, The Main Ingredient, Origin Unknown, Hearts and Minds, and This Morning from Liverpool.
“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to all of the amazing people I have had the pleasure of working with over my more than 40 years in television, as well as to our viewers who have graciously allowed us to visit their homes. We are truly grateful for that. I have frequently been struck by how considerate our viewers can be during trying times, particularly after the passing of Tony Wilson and Tony Morris. Working with them both was a pleasure; I still have their phone numbers on file and frequently hear them mentioned! It is a true blessing for me to collaborate with the greatest among us.
Head of News for ITV Granada Reports, Lucy West, who has worked with Lucy on some of the biggest stories in the northwest over the past decade, says: “It has been a great honor to work with Lucy Meacock, who is a broadcasting icon. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the northwest have never faltered, and we will miss her hugely.
As a team, we all hold Lucy in the highest regard for her formidable probing, excellent judgment, and astute counsel. We’ve been through some very challenging times both on and off screen.
Personally, I shall miss her sincerity, honesty, and unwavering commitment to giving our audiences and the team our best. We hope Lucy has the greatest possible future and know she will always be a close friend of Granada Reports.
Lucy Meacock’s final Granada Reports will be on Thursday, August 1, on ITV1 at 6 p.m.
