Justin jacks it in

Spotlight presenter to say goodbye on Friday

It's the end of an era for BBC Spotlight presenter Justin Leigh. He's leaving BBC after 33 years, including almost 20 years presenting the UK’s most popular regional TV news programme.  He's calling it a day on Friday.
 
Justin said:  “The Spotlight team and our viewers are like a second family to me, so leaving the only job I ever wanted to do has been the hardest decision. I have met so many amazing people as I have reported on the region’s triumphs and tragedies. It has been a huge privilege to have played a part in reflecting everyday life in this beautiful part of the world.”
 
Justin began his broadcasting career as a volunteer at BBC Radio Cornwall, working first on a rock programme, before moving to mainstream shows. A proud Cornishman, Justin crossed the Tamar in 1997 to begin television reporting from the BBC’s south west base in Plymouth. He became the main presenter in 2001.
 
A statement from the BBC says: "Justin’s warm and reassuring on-screen presence, coupled with a fierce reputation as a tough interviewer, soon made him a well-known and well-loved personality in the region. He has interviewed prime ministers and royalty and grilled local and national politicians of every political hue. He has also presented documentaries and series celebrating the region, chaired countless TV debates and news specials and hosted numerous Royal Cornwall and Devon County Show outside broadcasts."
 
Stephanie Marshall, head of the BBC west and south west, said: “For a quarter of a century Justin has been a fixture on south west TV, covering thousands of important stories and winning the affection of viewers all over the region. His incisive journalism and firm but fair interviewing style have rightly won him plaudits, and I would join the many calling him a broadcasting legend."
 
Following Justin’s departure, Victoria Graham will be lead presenter for Spotlight’s 6.30pm evening news on BBC One.