Alastair Stewart is stepping down as an ITV presenter after "errors of judgement" in his social media use.
Alastair Stewart
The 67-year-old newsreader has been reading the news for the broadcaster for more than three decades, but following a "misjudgement", he has revealed he is quitting his role with ITV.
In a statement, Alastair - who has deleted his Twitter account - said: "It was a misjudgment which I regret, but it's been a privilege to bring the news to households throughout the UK for the past 40 years."
An internal email from ITN informed their staff members that the decision, which was backed by ITV, followed behaviour that breached editorial guidelines.
As of the time of writing, no further details have been given as to why Alastair is stepping down.
Michael Jermey, ITV director of news and current affairs, said in a statement: "Alastair has been a long-standing, familiar figure to viewers of ITV News, both reporting and presenting with distinction. We wish him the very best for the future."
Whilst ITN's chief executive Anna Mallett added: "We would like to recognise Alastair's contribution as one of the UK's foremost journalists and TV presenters and to thank him for his commitment to delivering high-quality broadcast news over many years."
Alastair first joined ITN in 1980, acting as one of ITV's flagship newsreaders for more than three decades, and becoming the longest-serving mail newsreader on British television.
The presenter received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to broadcasting and charity in 2006.