Tom Bradby named News At Ten host in ITV news shake-up

Tom Bradby has been announced as the new host of News At Ten in an overhaul of the co-host format featuring Mark Austin and Julie Etchingham.

ITV said that Bradby, who won acclaim when he interviewed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge about their engagement, will present as sole anchor on most nights of the year.

Etchingham will 'remain a key figure' on News At Ten, presenting the programme, which is moving to a single-presenter format, when Bradby is not.

Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham

Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham (Yui Mok/PA)

 

International affairs editor Rageh Omaar will also step in to anchor occasionally.

Austin, who has fronted News At Ten for eight years, will co-anchor ITV News at 6.30 with Mary Nightingale instead.

Alastair Stewart, who co-presents ITV News at 6.30 and the lunchtime bulletin, will also continue to co-anchor both shows but less frequently than he does currently.

Bradby, who has been ITV News’ political editor for the past decade, said: “News At Ten is one of the best-known and loved news brands in the country and I have hugely enjoyed working for it in 25 years on the road with ITV News.

.@tombradby is to become the main presenter of the @ITV News at Ten https://t.co/dQJZZ0TDIi pic.twitter.com/3BNHZ25jLq

— ITV News (@itvnews) June 25, 2015

 

“The chance to help lead it into a new era is a unique and incredibly exciting challenge – and, given the programme’s heritage, a great honour, too.”

Austin said: “After eight really enjoyable years on News At Ten I leave the show in great shape, as current RTS Daily News Programme of Year, and in good hands.

“I look forward to joining the evening news programme. It’s an exciting challenge and also means a bit more sleep.”

Etchingham, who acted as moderator during the seven-party ITV Leaders’ debate in the general election campaign, will front more of ITV’s current affairs programming.

Julie Etchingham and Mark Austin

Julie Etchingham and Mark Austin will have new roles (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

 

She said: “Following an exciting few months covering every twist and turn of Election 2015, I’m delighted to continue presenting and reporting for ITV News at Ten in this fascinating new political landscape we find ourselves in.

“From covering the biggest stories affecting our viewers to exclusive investigative journalism, I’m looking forward to dedicating more time to ITV’s award-winning current affairs programming, across special national events, Tonight and Exposure.”

ITV news editor Geoff Hill said: “I’m thrilled with the new line-up. It builds on our success and signals the start of an exciting chapter for ITV News.

“We’re blessed with an incredibly talented group of presenters who will add tremendous value to our award-winning journalism.”

ITV said the programme would continue to be called News At Ten.

 

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