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Fred Dineage To Present His Final ITV Meridian News Show Tonight

(Picture: Fred Dinenage and Sangeeta Bhabra. Credit ITV)

TV legend, Fred Dinenage, will present his final ITV Meridian News Tonight programme later today (Thursday).

Mr Dinenage announced earlier this year that he was stepping down after 38 years.

(Picture: Fred Dinenage and Debbie Thrower. Credit: ITV)

He has anchored the evening news show in the south since 1983, when it was broadcast by Television South.

Meridian co-host, Sangeeta Bhabra, said Mr Dinenage will be "massively missed" by viewers.

Mr Dinenage was a director of Portsmouth Football Club from 1998 to 2006 and was appointed MBE for services to broadcasting in 2010.

The 79-year-old became a household name on the children’s television programme How? - last year appearing in a new series of the show, made for CITV.

Speaking to ITV Meridian this morning, Mr Dinenage said:

"It started as a seven-week contract at Southern TV on a children's programme in 1963 - it's lasted 58 years. I still can't believe it.

"I've been so happy at ITV. I just want to say thank you to my dear colleagues, and our wonderful viewers for giving me so much love and support."

Paying tribute, TV cameraman, Dave Russell - known as Meridian Dave - who lives on the Isle of Wight, said:

"Tonight (Thursday) will be the end of a TV era, as Fred Dinenage presents his very last Meridian Tonight on ITV at 6pm.

"I've had the pleasure of working with him for many years - and he's a top bloke. What you see on screen is what you get in real life, unlike some folk you see on TV!

"Best wishes for the future, mate."

(Picture: Dave Russell speaking to Fred Dinenage. Credit: ITV)

Mr Dinenage's last show is tonight on ITV Meridian at 6pm.

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