Beloved BBC presenter Kirsty Wark has delighted her followers by sharing some wonderful personal news this week. The esteemed journalist, best known for her long tenure on Newsnight, has announced that she has become a grandmother for the first time.
A Joyful Social Media Revelation
On Tuesday, January 27, Wark took to her Instagram account, which boasts approximately 28,000 followers, to post an adorable photograph of her newborn granddaughter, named Maisie. Alongside the heartwarming image, the Scottish broadcaster wrote a touching caption expressing her elation.
"Darling Maisie. We are all so happy the stork brought you here safely. I’m beside myself at being a Grandma," she shared, conveying her overwhelming happiness at this new chapter in her life.
Flood of Congratulations from Fans and Peers
Unsurprisingly, the post was quickly inundated with warm messages of congratulations from her extensive network of admirers and fellow media personalities. Notable well-wishers included The One Show presenter Lauren Laverne, who commented, "How utterly fab. Congratulations."
Alan Cumming, host of The Traitors US, added his congratulations, writing, "Congrats to all and much love." Author Justine Picardie also joined in, typing, "So adorable! Many congratulations to you all," reflecting the widespread affection for the veteran journalist.
Reflecting on a Distinguished Broadcasting Career
This personal milestone comes as Kirsty Wark continues to be celebrated for her substantial contributions to British media. Her illustrious career began at BBC Radio Scotland, where she worked as a researcher and programme producer before making the transition to television.
She is most renowned for being the longest-serving presenter of the flagship political debate programme Newsnight, a role she held until her departure in 2024. Last year, her exceptional service was formally recognised when she was honoured with the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship at the 2025 British Academy Television Awards.
Life After Newsnight and Ongoing BBC Work
Since stepping down from Newsnight, Wark has remained an active and respected voice within the BBC. Her current roles include presenting BBC Radio 4's esteemed art and culture programme, Front Row, and contributing to BBC Scotland's election coverage in 2024.
Despite no longer being at the helm, she remains a loyal viewer of Newsnight and has publicly praised the current team's work. "I watch the same way I used to watch it, which is often in the morning. And my assessment is that they get great interviews and good analysis and good American guests at the moment," she remarked in a recent statement.
Newsnight's Evolution and Enduring Relevance
Wark also offered her perspective on the programme's recent format change, which saw it transition to a 30-minute episode last year following an announcement by the BBC in 2023. While expressing some nostalgia for the longer format, she acknowledged the need to adapt.
"Okay, it's cut to 30 minutes. Sad about that in one way but on the other hand you have to move with the times. Y'know a good 30 minutes is fantastic at 10.30pm," she observed. She went on to affirm the show's continued importance in the media landscape, stating, "I think y'know this is an era where there's so much going on that Newsnight is still the place to make sense of [it] all at the end of the day."
The arrival of baby Maisie marks a joyous personal moment for Kirsty Wark, whose professional legacy and ongoing work ensure she remains a cherished figure in British broadcasting.
