ITV Granada Reports confirms Lucy Meacock replacement for flagship evening news show

ITV has announced Katie Walderman will replace Lucy Meacock in its Granada Reports team, and will be present the flagship evening news programme alongside Gamal Fahnbulleh.

The broadcaster recently left the BBC after 12 years as a reporter and presenter of North West Tonight. Joining ITV News at the end of November, Katie will present her first evening show with Gamal on Monday, December 2, at 6pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Katie said: "It’s an absolute dream come true to join Granada Reports. I grew up watching the programme, but never in a million years did I think I’d actually get the chance to present it! I was born and raised in Liverpool and I’m now bringing up three of my own little Scousers.

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"I can’t wait to continue flying the flag for our fantastic region and all the amazing communities here. I’m really looking forward to joining the Granada family - both the team in Salford and all those watching at home!

"I’ve been a journalist in the North West for the last 18 years, starting off in Liverpool at Juice FM, Radio City and then later in Salford Quays at Real Radio and Smooth FM, before moving into TV. I’ve spent the last 12 years at BBC North West Tonight as a producer, reporter and presenter, so I already know and love our fantastic part of the world. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. "

She added: "Over my career, I’ve followed our North West troops on two separate tours of Afghanistan, where I first met Gamal, who was covering the conflict for Granada Reports, and I’m so made up we’ll be working together again."

Gamal, who joined ITV Granada Reports in January 2021 is looking forward to this new partnership. It comes after Lucy Meacock left in August 2024 after 36 years of broadcasting to the North West.

He said: "I am over the moon for Katie to be joining the Granada Reports Team. A first class journalist, she is an exciting addition to the ITV family. Katie and I have known each other for many years and I have no doubt our partnership will go from strength to strength."

Katie's appointment comes after just last week she picked up an award at the Royal Television Society (RTS) awards in Manchester. On the night, it was BBC North West Tonight that claimed the title of Best Regional News Programme on the night, and the channel's Katie Walderman was named Best Journalist in the North West - although she announced on stage at the time that it was her last day with the beeb.

Head of News for ITV Granada Reports, Lucy West said: "I’m delighted to be welcoming Katie Walderman to the Granada family. Katie is a great journalist who loves the North West and that’s exactly what we want for our audience, I’m very much looking forward to working with heron the stories that matter most to our viewers."

Guy Phillips, Editor, ITV Regional News said: “Katie is an award winning journalist whose drive, energy and commitment is all focussed on the North West and the viewers we broadcast to across the Granada region. We’re delighted she’s joined ITV News - she’s a great addition to the team. Katie and Gamal will be a strong presenting partnership on Granada reports.”