ITV ANNOUNCES KATIE WALDERMAN JOINS GRANADA REPORTS AS MAIN PRESENTER

ITV, based in MediaCity,  has today announced Katie Walderman has joined the ITV Granada Reports team and will be presenting the flagship evening news programme with Gamal Fahnbulleh. Katie recently left the BBC after 12 years as a reporter and presenter of North West Tonight. 

Joining ITV News at the end of November, Katie will present her first evening show with Gamal on Monday 2nd December at 6pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 

Head of News for ITV Granada Reports, Lucy West said:  “I’m delighted to be welcoming Katie Walderman to the Granada family.  Katie is a great journalist who loves the North West and that’s exactly what we want for our audience,  I’m very much looking forward to working with heron the stories that matter most to our viewers.”

Katie said: “It’s an absolute dream come true to join Granada Reports. I grew up watching the programme, but never in a million years did I think I’d actually get the chance to present it! I was born and raised in Liverpool and I’m now bringing up three of my own little Scousers. I can’t wait to continue flying the flag for our fantastic region and all the amazing communities here. I’m really looking forward to joining the Granada family – both the team in Salford and all those watching at home!

“I’ve been a journalist in the North West for the last 18 years, starting off in Liverpool at Juice FM, Radio City and then later in Salford Quays at Real Radio and Smooth FM, before moving into TV.  I’ve spent the last 12 years at BBC North West Tonight as a producer, reporter and presenter, so I already know and love our fantastic part of the world. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.

“Over my career, I’ve followed our North West troops on two separate tours of Afghanistan, where I first met Gamal, who was covering the conflict for Granada Reports, and I’m so made up we’ll be working together again.”

Gamal, who joined ITV Granada Reports in January 2021 is looking forward to this new partnership.  It comes after Lucy Meacock left in August 2024 after 36 years of broadcasting to the North West.

He said:  “I am over the moon for Katie to be joining the Granada Reports Team.  A first class journalist, she is an exciting addition to the ITV family. Katie and I have known each other for many years and I have no doubt our partnership will go from strength to strength.”

Guy Phillips, Editor, ITV Regional News said:  “Katie is an award winning journalist whose drive, energy and commitment is all focussed on the North West and the viewers we broadcast to across the Granada region. We’re delighted she’s joined ITV News – she’s a great addition to the team. Katie and Gamal will be a strong presenting partnership on Granada reports.”