Lucy Meacock has confirmed her exit from ITV News after 36 years with the broadcaster. The 64-year-old's departure from the channel was announced last month and she took to Twitter this week to break her silence.
She described "the saddest of weeks", referring to the tragic Southport stabbings where three young girls lost their lives.
The journalist penned: "I will bow out quietly - it's been the saddest of weeks. Like everyone else my thoughts are only with those little girls who lost their lives in Southport.
"I have met some of the loveliest people this week and over my 36 years. It has been a privilege Thank you," reports the Mirror.
Lucy is best known for leading ITV's North West news show but contributed to various shows including UpFront, The Late Debate, The Main Ingredient, Origin Unknown, Hearts and Minds and This Morning from Liverpool.
It didn't take long for her dedicated fans to inundate her with heartfelt messages. One tweeted: "You'll be badly missed Lucy. Enjoy whatever comes next."
Another chimed in: "Missing you already. Good luck in everything you do."
A third penned: "All the best Lucy. So good to see you today, such a shame it was in those circumstances. You always present with such dignity and compassion. You will be missed."
A fourth said in response: "We will miss you Lucy, what an awful couple of days it's been. Best wishes to you."
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A fifth commended: "Lucy, you've taken us through highs and lows. Thank you for being a great professional and a wonderful human being."
While another contributed: "Good luck Lucy, thanks for all the years of news and even on your last day being this humble shows how amazing you are."
Head of News for ITV Granada Reports, Lucy West, said it had been an "honour" to work with the journalist for the past decade.
She said in a statement: “It has been a great honour to work with Lucy Meacock who is a broadcasting icon, her enthusiasm and commitment to the North West has never faltered and we will miss her hugely.
"As a team we all have enormous respect for Lucy who we admire for her formidable questioning, great judgement and wise advice.
"We’ve been through some very challenging times both on and off screen. Personally, I will miss her honesty, integrity and determination to deliver the very best for our audiences and the team.
"We wish her all the very best for the future and know Lucy will remain a good friend of Granada Reports.”
Lucy Meacock's final Granada Reports will be air tonight (August 1) at 6pm on ITV1.
