05 December 2023 , 14:00
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Long-standing BBC News presenter Alex Lovell has announced a shocking career move to a rival TV channel after 18 years at BBC Points West.
The 50-year-old journalist announced her departure last Saturday, starting her new job just two days later on Monday. She's already had her first day and has even reunited with a former colleague who also made the move from the BBC.
Alex announced on Monday that she'd joined ITV, working on ITV West Country 48 hours after her emotional departure from BBC Points West. "Look at me!!! Back to working full time," she wrote on X, formally Twitter.
Alex has presented BBC News for more than 18 years (BBC)
Only days after her departure, she's joined ITV News (X/Twitter)Posing in front of the ITV logo, she added: "First day in my new job at ITV West Country and everyone's being SO lovely! I have a lot of ‘induction’ stuff and paperwork to do, but will keep you in the loop!" She later shared an update with former colleague Seb Choudhury who also works at ITV West Country.
"Look who's just arrived at work," she wrote. Alex has already updated her social media bios, which now reads "Newsreader ITV West Country pending!". Lovell had worked at BBC News for 18 years, waving farewell on Saturday night.
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Fighting back the tears live on-air, she explained: "It's time for me to say goodbye - hashtag not crying - this has been my last programme for BBC Points West. And I wanted to say we have been through a lot over the past 18 years, haven't we? It has been an absolute joy to spend that time with you, even through the hardest times.
"I just wanted to say that those of you that ever come up to as some of you sometimes do and say things like 'we really feel like we know you,' that is truly the greatest compliment that I could ever receive and it's been an absolute privilege." Alex thanked her BBC co-stars before being interrupted by David Garmston.
Thanking him for a bouquet of flowers, she added: "You're my tele husband and one of my best friends, I love you." David added: "I just want to thank you, from the BBC, from the viewers and from me, for everything you’ve done over the last 18 years. It's been amazing. You're as lovely off screen as you are on and we're really going to miss you."