Television royalty reunited at the BBC this week, sparking calls from fans for a more permanent return. Former BBC North West Tonight anchor Gordon Burns and Granada Reports legend Lucy Meacock were pictured with current BBC North West Tonight presenter Roger Johnson, much to the delight of viewers.
Social Media Buzz
Roger took to social media to share images of the retired broadcasting legends, saying: "Tonight’s North West Tonight was a little more nerve wracking than usual … as we had NW TV royalty watching from the gallery." He explained that Gordon and Lucy joined him as part of a fundraiser for Bury Hospice. However, fans wondered why Roger didn't take the opportunity to get them on screen as well.
Viewers quickly praised the reunion, hailing Gordon and Lucy as the "GOATs of early evening news" and "TV royalty." Christine Williams wrote: "How lovely to see them both again. Stalwarts of early evening news broadcasts in Manchester," while Keith Whale said: "Best there’s ever been on the box." John Burns added: "Well there’s an iconic photo of North West TV’s finest broadcasters. All of you have been fantastic at delivering the news down the decades."
Cheeky Response
Gordon, 84, who famously hosted The Krypton Factor, responded to the comments with a cheeky riposte, posting the same photo with the caption: "Lucy Meacock and I are planning a coup - but don’t tell Roger!!" Lucy left ITV's Granada Reports in August 2024 after 36 years, much to the sadness of viewers who still miss her on screen.
Lucy, 66, said at the time: "This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. But the time is right to move on now. For me it has always been the best job in the world, with the best people in the world, in the best region in the world." Gordon left BBC North West Tonight in 2011 and fully retired from the BBC in 2013.
Charity Auction
The reunion came about after a charity auction for Bury Hospice. Gordon explained: "One of the lots was dinner at Media City with 3 North West TV news anchors past and present … current North West Tonight presenter Roger Johnston, his predecessor (me!), and Granada Reports legend Lucy Meacock. It included a pre-dinner tour of BBC and watching North West Tonight go out live." After lively bidding, Corin and Tricia Dalby won the lot with a £1,500 bid.
After the screening, the TV stars and the lucky bidders headed for a meal donated by Bella Italia at Salford Quays. Gordon said: "At the dinner we all had a fabulous time. We talked about everything and most importantly about hospices and the disgraceful lack of funding they get." He added: "We also talked about the rivalry between North West Tonight and Granada Reports. With Lucy and me as rival presenters in our heyday, although there was never any of that in private - we always got on well but that rivalry on air kept us on our toes and upped our respective games!"
Gordon also shared a behind-the-scenes story: "I let Lucy go first [for interviews] so I could make sure she didn’t have some great questions that I didn’t have - and as she would leave straight after the interview she couldn’t pinch any of mine! That’s on-air rivalry for you." Both were delighted by the positive comments on social media, with Gordon joking about an "Evening with" tour, but agreeing that only one couple and a dog might turn up.
