BBC weather presenter Alex Osborne has announced she is leaving the corporation after nearly two decades to join rival broadcaster ITV. The South West weather presenter confirmed the move on social media, stating her final day at the BBC will be May 4.
Osborne wrote on social media: 'And the 'news' is…. I'm going to @ITV! Will be sad to leave after years at the BBC, but excited for the next chapter as a journalist…' She recently completed an NCTJ qualification, earning an award from the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Prior to becoming a weather presenter, Osborne held various roles at the BBC, including Travel Presenter and Entertainment Reporter on BBC Radio Devon, Assistant Producer/Researcher on BBC Radio 3, and Production Assistant for BBC Factual Television. She also contributed to numerous special reports during her tenure.
Beyond television, Osborne is a gifted violinist who performs with the Steampunk Orchestra. Her rendition of the BBC News theme tune on violin has garnered over 10,000 views on Twitter. During the pandemic, she performed for residents at a nursing home in Cleethorpes, including her grandparents, to lift spirits.
BBC Somerset broadcaster Claire Carter wished her well, saying: 'Good luck, Alex! Sad to lose you from the Beeb - it was always fun with you on Somerset Breakfast.' Viewers also expressed their support, with one commenting: 'Sad news for those of us who so enjoy your work on the beeb, but good luck.'
