Beloved ABC News presenter quits
Beloved ABC News presenter Beverley O'Connor has announced that she is quitting after more than 10 years on The World news programme.
"It’s been a privilege," she said on-air on Tuesday night.
"Time to breathe and contemplate a new chapter."
The presenter is reportedly undertaking knee replacement surgery.
O'Connor has worked for ABC radio and television since 1987, specialising in economics and politics.
She was a presenter on ABC Radio Melbourne for five years, before moving to Seven in 2004.
She was a weeknight sports presenter on Seven News Melbourne until January 2005, when she was replaced by Sandy Roberts.
In 2008, she filled in as a weekend presenter on ABC News Victoria, before being appointed presenter of The World in August 2014, replacing both Jim Middleton and Zoe Daniel.
O'Connor was born in South Africa and studied journalism in Johannesburg. She moved to Australia in the 1980s.
Many viewers were left saddened by her departure from the show.
"Will miss you on the late night tune-ins catching us up on The World. You have a nice soothing voice for tuning down in the evening. All the best for what's next for you," one wrote online.
"Thank you Bev, for the years of grace, integrity, intellect and class, with which you presented The World. We will miss the gentle calm of your voice late in the evening," another added.
"I always looked forward to seeing you on The World. A great mix of professionalism, knowledge and humour/ lightheartedness/ friendliness thrown in. Fabulous interviewing skills. Thanks for everything," a third said.
Image: ABC News