Alastair Stewart retires after almost 50 years

Queen Elizabeth II: Alastair Stewart discusses walking stick

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Alastair Stewart, 70, has confirmed he will be retiring from a permanent role on television. He described broadcasting as “the best job in the world” in a statement about his retirement. The journalist attributed his commute from Hampshire to London as one of the reasons for stepping down as well as wanting to spend more time with his family.

The former ITV journalist hosted his last ever episode of Alastair Stewart and Friends on GB News, last weekend.

The channel has confirmed Alastair will continue to work with GB News as an occasional contributor and commentator on major news events.

These will include King Charles III’s coronation in May as well as the upcoming general election.

Alastair holds the coveted title of Britain’s longest-serving newsreader, having presented the news on both local and national television for more than 45 years.

The broadcaster joined GB News two years ago and a spokesperson for the channel said he was “instrumental in its programming line-up”.

He announced Queen Elizabeth II’s death to viewers last September and spearheaded the subsequent coverage.

Last summer, he anchored the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee coverage which gripped the nation.

During his extensive career, he also hosted major political debates such as the Hustings with Liz Truss and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in their bids to be nation’s leader.

Alastair 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.”

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The father-of-four added: “It’s been a privilege to complete my regular broadcasting career with a sparky start-up like GB News that’s challenging the traditional moulds I’ve known for so long.

“It’s kept me on my toes, taught me new tricks, but above all GB News has liberated me.

“I’ve had the freedom to cover the stories I’m passionate about, interview the people I want, and offer my perspective more freely than I’ve been allowed to in the past.”

Prior to his time on GB News, Alastair anchored News at Ten and provided commentary for royal weddings, elections, budgets, and State Openings of Parliament.

He also had the opportunity to present news coverage around the globe and reported live from the 1980s miners’ strike, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the first Gulf War from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

His accolades include the Royal Television Society’s Presenter of the Year Award and an OBE for extensive charity work and services to television.

GB News’ CEO Angelos Frangopoulos said: “Alastair is a legendary broadcaster whose contribution to this industry has been virtually unmatched.

“His immense generosity in mentoring journalists at GB News has ensured his legacy will endure for the next generation of broadcasters.

“We can’t thank him enough and we wish him a long and happy retirement – he’s certainly earned it.”

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