BBC Newsreader Joanna Gosling signs off for the final time

Former BBC news anchor Joanna Gosling has said she went through a “horrible” time at work before quitting the newsroom.

Ms Gosling joined the corporation in 1999 but has now left to take up a new role at law firm Irwin Mitchell.

She said her career move came after she was involved in “conflict” at the BBC.

The veteran presenter told The Telegraph: “That was an extremely difficult time and I really felt like there should have been more collaborative conversations than were going on at that time.”

Ms Gosling explained she had also got divorced so experienced a midlife change and an awareness of “what goes on with that”.

READ MORE… Sunak facing full scale revolt as Tory peer calls on donors to defund the party

Work and personal challenges prompted Ms Gosling to re-train in mediation, where experts work on issues affecting parties on both sides of a conflict.

She said the career change meant she could now be the person she wished had been there for her.

Ms Gosling’s emotional final news bulletin after 23 years in the business touched viewers hearts and went viral.

She said when the BBC was making staff cuts earlier this year and redundancy packages were made available she tried to see it as an opportunity.

The 52-year-old said: “I knew that I needed to do this. I was done with what I had been doing. I’d been doing it for 30 years. I’d absolutely loved it but it was definitely time to do something different.”

Don’t miss…
Kemi to savage Rejoiners in fiery speech with Keir Starmer Brexit U-turn warning[REVEALED]
Suella Braverman lashes out at Elton John, Gary Lineker and the ‘virtue-signa…[REPORT]
Priti Patel slams ‘Brexit-bashing BBC’ in furious new attack at Tory conference[LATEST]

In her emotional on-air farewell on January 26, she told viewers their responses to her leaving the BBC had been completely unexpected.

She added: “I have been really touched by the wave of warmth and kindness from you and I want to say thank you for all of your good wishes. It really has meant a lot to me.

“Lucky me to have had this great job, that has never felt like a job.”

The veteran journalist, who was married to David Cameron’s former communications director Sir Craig Oliver, now presents a Sunday afternoon show in Classic FM in a return to radio where she started her career.

Announcing her appointment in June, Classic FM managing editor Philip Noyce described Ms Gosling as a “trusted, friendly voice” who is known to millions from her work in television news.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

She joined Irwin Mitchell as a senior associate in the family law team, helping couples resolve disputes out of court.

Ms Gosling said of her new role in September: “I am delighted to be joining Irwin Mitchell as a mediator and as an advocate for mediation.

“I am passionate about helping people find a way through conflict, and to be able to do this work as part of the brilliant and caring family team at Irwin Mitchell, is a dream come true for me.”

Irwin Mitchell partner Ros Bever said Ms Gosling’s journalism background, skills, training and “pragmatic, impartial approach” made her an “extremely well suited” mediator.

Source: Read Full Article