ALASTAIR Stewart is a household name, thanks to his long career as a news anchor.
However, in March 2023 the TV star shocked fans when he announced he was retiring from broadcast after over 45 years in the industry.
Who is Alastair Stewart?
Alastair Stewart, OBE was born on June 22, 1952, in Gosport, Hampshire.
The son of RAF recruits, he was educated at state school in Fife, Scotland, and then at the independent Salesian College in Farnborough, Hampshire, and St Augustine's Abbey School in Ramsgate, Kent.
He studied economics and politics at the University of Bristol before going on to work for the National Union of Students from 1974-1976.
Alastair then entered TV when he joined Southern Television in Southampton as a reporter and presenter.
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He was one of the last journalists to interview Lord Mountbatten before he was assassinated by the IRA in 1979.
Alastair went on to join ITN in 1980 as an industrial correspondent, and quickly became a regular newsreader.
He spent three years as a presenter and reporter at Channel 4 News between 1983 and 1986, before going on to present ITN's News at 5.45pm.
Alastair was awarded an OBE in 2006.
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When did Alastair Stewart join ITV?
In 1989, Alastair moved to the ITV flagship News At Ten, becoming the lead presenter on major news bulletins.
He has since moved between the lunchtime, evening and ten o'clock shows and presented documentaries, special programmes and hosted election debates.
On January 29, 2020, Alastair sensationally quit ITV over "errors of judgement" in his use of social media.
In a statement, the veteran presenter said: "It was a misjudgement which I regret, but it's been a privilege to bring the news to households throughout the UK for the past 40 years."
After leaving ITV, he went on to work for GB News.
Is Alastair Stewart married?
Alastair has been married to Sally Ann Jung since 1978 and they live in Hampshire.
He apparently met his future wife in the New Forest – once revealing it was where he "courted" her.
She was his long-time girlfriend before they tied the knot and Sally has accompanied him to public events in the past.
The couple has lived in several houses in Hampshire and owned a farm in the English county in 1985.
Does Alastair Stewart have kids?
Alastair and his wife Sally have four children together – Freddie, Clemmie, Oscar and Alexander Stewart.
He also takes a keen interest in the welfare of other kids as the National Vice President of Action for Children.
Alastair is also a patron for Jacksplace Children's Hospice.
He and Sally are both passionate about charity work, with him telling Forum: “My parents instilled a sense of the importance of thinking of others."
Why is Alastair Stewart retiring?'
On March 22, 2023 Alastair announced he was retiring from broadcasting.
He revealed he had made the decision as he wanted to quit while he was "still ahead as an old broadcaster, rather than an ancient one".
Posting a statement, Alastair said: "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.”
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