FINAL FAREWELL
ITV presenter quits after 36 years as she releases statement over shock exit
She described her last days as the 'saddest and most shocking of weeks'
ITV legend Lucy Meacock has released a new statement after she "bowed out" of her longtime hosting gig.
The 64-year-old TV anchor decided to retire from Granada Reports after over 36 years on air.
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After the devastating stabbing in Southport, Lucy took to social media with a reflective statement for her viewers.
Rather than a grand send off on the airwaves, she opted for a far more understated exit on Thursday.
The news presenter posted a video of all the flowers and balloons that were left at the site of the horrific incident.
Three children died after they were brutally attacked at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
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She wrote an essay on Instragram as she wanted to say goodbye to the loyal ITV viewers with a simple grid post.
Lucy wrote: "I will bow out quietly - it has been the saddest & most shocking of weeks.
"Like everyone else my thoughts have only been with those little girls who lost their lives in Southport.
"My thoughts are also with the injured, the emergency workers and everyone doing their best in very very difficult times.
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She added: "I have met some of the loveliest people this week and over my 36 years @granadareports. It has been an absolute privilege Thank you."
In November last year, Lucy celebrated 35 years of presenting the flagship local programme.
ITV presenter quits after 36 years admitting 'it's one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made'
But in July, she announced the "difficult decision" to leave the show after three decades on air.
At the time, she said: "This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made.
"But the time is right to move on now.
"For me it has always been the best job in the world, with the best people in the world, in the best region in the world!
"I am very grateful that I was given this job so many years ago.
"I have always tried my hardest to make a positive contribution and I hope I will be remembered with some fondness in the years ahead."
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She added: "It has been a complete honour and privilege to serve the people of this region and I will always have the interests of the North West at heart.
"A big thank you to all the people who have appeared on the programme over the years, sometimes when they have been facing some very tough challenges."
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