In a significant announcement for British broadcast journalism, Sky News at Ten presenter Anna Botting has revealed she is leaving the flagship evening news programme after a remarkable 25-year tenure. The veteran broadcaster confirmed her departure in an emotional social media post, stating that her final broadcast is imminent.
An Emotional Farewell After a Quarter-Century
Anna Botting, who first joined Sky News at Ten back in 1999, took to Instagram to share the news with her followers. The 58-year-old presenter filmed herself walking through the familiar studio space, reflecting on her long career with the network. 'So, it's time, I'm about to present my last News at Ten,' she revealed in her video message, pointing out the programme's famous clock that has become an iconic part of British television news.
Botting reflected humorously on her extensive time with the programme, noting that starting in 1999 meant she had spanned two millennia on air. 'It's been a long time,' she acknowledged, remembering her early days presenting alongside Bob Friend. Her final broadcast marks the conclusion of what she described as 'an absolute privilege' presenting the evening news programme.
Transition to New Late-Night Programme
While Botting is stepping away from Sky News at Ten, she is not leaving the network entirely. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that she will join fellow News at Ten host Gillian Joseph in presenting a new late-night show called The Wrap. Launching on January 26th, this innovative programme represents a bold new direction for Sky News's evening schedule.
The Wrap is designed to focus on debating, analysing, and making sense of the day's most important stories. Running from 10pm until midnight, the round-up will feature panels of leading experts and special guests engaging in live conversation about top news developments. Botting expressed enthusiasm for the new format, explaining that it 'means we can be even more nimble at adapting to breaking news.'
'Think of it as a hub for debate and analysis, with our brilliant guests, available wherever you choose to watch,' she told Sky News. 'Having seen the industry transform over my 35 years as a journalist, I'm thrilled to be part of this bold and dynamic new chapter.'
Changing Landscape of Evening News
Sky News executive chairman David Rhodes emphasised the significance of this programming shift in an official statement. 'The 10pm slot has been a cornerstone of Sky News for years,' he noted. 'Anna and Gillian remain at the helm, now leading greater conversation, explanation and debate.'
Rhodes explained that The Wrap represents more than just a name change for the 10pm broadcast. 'More than the news at 10, The Wrap will have a new format that increasingly values context and live discussion alongside breaking news, ensuring audiences get "The Full Story, First".' This approach reflects changing viewer expectations, as co-host Gillian Joseph observed: 'Audiences today don't just want to know what's happened, they want to understand why it matters.'
Recent Departures from Sky News
Botting's announcement follows several other high-profile departures from Sky News in recent months. In December, UK correspondent Ashna Hurynag bid an emotional farewell after five years with the network. The 32-year-old presenter, who joined Sky News in January 2020, received a surprise send-off from colleagues who compiled a 'best bits' reel of her time with the programme.
Hurynag's departure broadcast featured memorable moments including weather reports that went awry, with her struggling against wind, rain, and disappearing hats during outdoor broadcasts. Colleagues including Wilfred Frost and Sophy Ridge praised her professionalism and character during the farewell segment.
Earlier in the year, another significant departure occurred when Sky News's Home and Political Correspondent Matthew Thompson announced he was leaving both the network and journalism entirely after 14 years in the field. Thompson revealed he would be moving to Edinburgh and transitioning into the world of finance, describing it as 'not a decision I've taken lightly' but one that was best for his family.
A New Chapter for Evening Broadcasting
As Anna Botting prepares for her final Sky News at Ten broadcast, her departure marks the end of an era for the programme while simultaneously heralding a new approach to evening news coverage. The transition to The Wrap represents Sky News's response to evolving viewer habits and the increasing demand for analysis alongside breaking news reporting.
Botting will host The Wrap from Monday to Thursday, while Gillian Joseph will cover Friday to Sunday broadcasts. Both presenters bring decades of broadcasting experience to the new format, with Joseph having worked in the industry for more than thirty years. Their combined expertise positions The Wrap as a potentially significant addition to Britain's late-night television landscape.
The emotional nature of Botting's farewell message underscores the personal connections presenters develop with both their colleagues and audiences over years of regular broadcasting. As she bid goodbye to the studio she has called home for a quarter-century, she expressed gratitude to viewers while looking ahead to her next challenge in broadcast journalism.
