On Air Now Topping In The Morning Wake up with Paul, Hayley, Emily and Heather 7:00am - 10:00am Nathan Dawe / Talia Mar - Sweet Lies Schedule

Fred Dinenage's ITV Meridian Replacement Revealed

ITV News Meridian has announced its full-time replacement for much-loved presenter Fred Dinenage.

Matt Teale is taking the reigns from Monday (28), alongside current main presenter Sangeeta Bhabra.

He replaces Fred, who helmed the show for nearly four decades and presented his final, emotional programme just before Christmas.

Matt has presented ITV's regional news service in the Midlands for the past ten years having previously fronted national news on ITV as well as working for Sky News, Forces TV and other broadcasters.

Matt Teale said: 

"It's an absolute pleasure to have joined the ITV News Meridian team and I can't wait to get started on air. The team has been incredibly welcoming and I'm really looking forward to presenting my first programme with Sangeeta. We have a similar sense of humour and I have a feeling we're going to have fun."

Sangeeta Bhabra added:

 "It’s been lovely getting to know Matt over the last few weeks  and I’m really looking forward to launch day. It all feels very new and exciting as we begin our onscreen partnership but we’ve already established we’ve a lot in common (apart from maybe cricket! Matt Is cricket mad.)

"Matt and I both have the same hopes and aspirations for our programme - the day’s news presented with ITV Meridian’s characteristic warmth and a laugh when we need it!"

Matt has a history with ITV that goes back 25 years but says landing the Meridian role is the high point of his career so far. 

 "It's a little daunting following Fred who was so well known across the region, but it's also a huge privilege. He sent me a lovely message when I got the job, which was very kind of him."

Matt will present his first ITV News Meridian programme across the Thames Valley, South and South East weekdays at 6pm on Monday (28).

More from Isle of Wight News