Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tony Morris death: ITV Granada Reports presenter dies aged 57

Acclaimed broadcaster hosted the regional ITV news series for 17 years

Louis Chilton
Tuesday 04 August 2020 09:13 BST
Comments
(PA/ITV)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tony Morris, the veteran presenter of the ITV news programme Granada Reports, has died aged 57.

Morris served as the host of the programme for 17 years, stopping just a few weeks ago. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2019.

ITV News confirmed on Monday that Morris died on 1 August at Bury Hospice, with his family by his side.

Lucy Meacock, who co-presented Granada Reports alongside Morris, said that he “brightened up the whole of the North West for 17 years”.

“He was without doubt one of the most humble, kind and funny people I have ever met, and he would often make me laugh till my sides ached.”

During Morris’s time on the series, Granada Reports became the first regional news show to take home a Bafta, for the coverage of the Morecambe Bay Cockle Picking tragedy in 2004.

Morris and Meacock’s coverage of the Independent Panel into the Hillsborough Disaster won another Bafta in 2013.

His daughters, Natalie and Becky, wrote on Twitter: “He was more than a parent, he was also our best friend. We are utterly heartbroken, but so grateful for the time we had with him.”

Before joining Granada Reports in 2003, Morris worked on the BBC’s North West Tonight, and hosted the BBC Two late-night comedy series Blouse and Skirt.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in