THE NEW presenter of ITV Meridian has been announced following the retirement of Fred Dinenage.

Matt Teale, who is the presenter for ITV Central, announced today that he will be taking a new role with ITV Meridian, alongside current presenter Sangeeta Bhabra.

The 46-year-old will be starting his new role from the end of January, taking the baton from long-serving presenter, Fred Dinenage, who hosted the regional news show for almost 40 years.

Matt, who comes from Gloucestershire, has been with ITV since 1997 working in the East and West Midlands.

He also has worked with Forces News, which provides military news, as well as Sky News.

He said today: “Really excited to be joining the team at ITV Meridian as the main presenter alongside Sangeeta Bhabra from the end of January.

“Gutted to leave ITV Central and Forces News after so long, but it feels like the perfect time for new challenges.”

The Argus: Matt Teale starts from the end of JanuaryMatt Teale starts from the end of January

Last week, current main presenter Fred Dinenage said on his retirement that it had been a “tough decision” to make.

He said: "After almost 38 years co-presenting the ITV six o'clock show in the south and south east I've finally decided to hang up my microphone.

"It's been a really tough decision but I now want to spend a few years with my wife, Beverley, and our three dogs smelling the roses in my garden and spending time in the mountains of Austria.

"But now I feel it is the right time to move on. I will miss my dear co-presenter, Sangeeta, and my colleagues at ITV Meridian terribly. And, of course, I will miss our wonderful viewers who have given me such incredible love and support for so long.

“I've been so lucky in my life and career - fifty eight years working non-stop on regional and network programmes with ITV and I've been blessed by having a truly special family. So, to everyone - thank you."

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