Channel 4 presenter interrupts show to announce exit in emotional message

A Channel 4 News presenter has announced that she is quitting her job live on air. Cathy Newman has been a staple of the channel for the last 15 years, but she has now decided to move on to pastures new.

She is known for her investigative journalism and high-profile scoops, including her investigation into sex offender Simon Harris which led to his 17-year prison sentence.

At the end of her final ever show for Channel 4, on Thursday, Cathy interrupted to share a special message. She said: "That's all we have time for this evening, but before we go I've got one more thing to say. I joined Channel 4 News 20 years ago and began presenting 15 years ago. Tonight is my last programme before I take on a new challenge." She added: "It has been an incredible privilege bringing you the news and also working with some of the best and nicest people in television."

Fans took to social media to wish her well. One wrote: "Thank you @cathynewman. Brilliant journalist, presenter, writer and woman. Good luck with the new adventure. You will continue to shine. Xx"

Another added: "All the best in whatever you do next. Sad to see you go." While a third penned: "Best wishes Cathy. The best out there. Will miss you. Don't have Sky."

Cathy is now set to front Sky News' 7 o'clock flagship daily politics slot and present a new podcast and work on long-form investigations and documentaries.

In a previous statement, she said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the incredible, multi-award-winning Sky News team. There couldn't be a more exhilarating time to return to Westminster, and I'm hugely looking forward to bringing in exclusive interviews and investigations on a brand new programme, and launching a podcast too.

"It's been a total privilege working on Channel 4 News for exactly two decades. In that time I've interviewed eight Prime Ministers past and present, covered five General Election campaigns, attended 19 party conference seasons, and broken stories that saw the Archbishop of Canterbury quit for the first time in history and an investigation that led to British paedophile Simon Harris being jailed.

"I'll miss my talented Channel 4 News colleagues enormously, but as Mary Shelley once wrote: 'the beginning is always today'. And I can't wait to begin again."