[Kojak]

As someone generally held in very high esteem on these boards, I think this deserves its own thread. Alastair Stewart is to step back from television after nearly 50 years(!) on our screens. His last programme was this Sunday, though he will continue to appear as an occasional contributor.

www.gbnews.com 

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.

I will admit, I am not at all a regular watcher of GB News - though on the occasions I have tuned in, it's more often than not been to watch his programmes. Having grown up watching him, I will miss seeing him on TV. His pairing with Mary Nightingale on the ITV News at 6.30 (and London Tonight many years before that!) was legendary.