Legendary TV newsreader retires after nearly 50 years on screen

Legendary TV newsreader Alistair Stewart OBE is retiring.

It comes after he has spent nearly 50 years on our screens.

Alistair, 70, is Britain’s longest-serving newsreader, having fronted local and national bulletins for 45 years.

He said in a statement: “I’m nearly 71 and I still get the most tremendous lift from live television – it’s the best job in the world.

“However, the rigours of preparing for two live interview shows a week, and commuting from Hampshire to London for them, are considerable.

“I want to reduce my commitment while I’m still ahead as an old broadcaster, rather than an ancient one. Thankfully the timing is mine; I just want to spend more of it with my family, my horses, and the charities that have meant so much to me over the years.”

Alistair most recently presented Alistair Stewart & Friends, which aired twice a week.

Last weekend’s episodes of the GB News show will now be the last.

He will continue to make occasional appearances as a contributor but will no longer host a regular show.

Alistair’s career as News At Ten, ITV’s flagship news broadcast, spanned 35 years.

In that time, he covered everything from Royal weddings to national elections.

More recently, he anchored the political debate between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

In January 2020, he stepped down from his role as newsreader on ITV News following a “misjudged” tweet.

The newsreader was accused of calling a black man an ape on Twitter.

In a statement, the veteran presenter said: “It was a misjudgement which I regret, but it’s been a privilege to bring the news to households throughout the UK for the past 40 years.”

Alastair has been married to Sally Ann Jung since 1978 and they currently live in Hampshire.

The pair have four children together –  Freddie, Clemmie, Oscar and Alexander Stewart.