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Radio Ulster's Anne Marie McAleese to leave BBC

BBC A woman with brown hair wearing a red jumper and a black jacket stands on a quay, smiling at the camera. Behind her is a row of houses. BBC
Ms McAleese joined the BBC in 1989

BBC Radio Ulster presenter Anne Marie McAleese has announced she is leaving her role as presenter of Your Place And Mine.

The award-winning broadcaster shared the news with listeners on Saturday morning.

McAleese joined the BBC in 1989 and presented the first ever broadcast of Your Place And Mine in September 1991.

She will lead present her final edition of Your Place And Mine on BBC Radio Ulster on Saturday 15 February 2025.

Anne Marie McAleese first worked in the press office in Broadcasting House in BBC Belfast before becoming a reporter for a programme called Round The Triangle, about life on the north coast.

Ms McAleese went on to present several other programmes on BBC Radio Ulster, including Frankly Anne Marie, Saturday Afternoon With Anne Marie, Arts Extra, A Round With Anne Marie, and On Your Behalf.

Her documentary programmes included Tea And Cappuccino and The Lady Computer Of Strabane.

A woman with brown hair wearing a red top sits at a table, smiling at the camera. She is holding a white cup and saucer.
Ms McAleese will present her final edition of Your Place And Mine on BBC Radio Ulster on Saturday 15 February 2025

The broadcaster also worked on BBC Northern Ireland television as a sports reporter for a time during the 1990s and took part in many BBC Children in Need television broadcasts from Northern Ireland.

"Your Place And Mine has been a massive part of my life for the last 35 years," she said.

"And it has been the joy of my life, all the people I've met and the far flung places in every county in the country that I've been to.

"I feel privileged to have visited so many parts of Northern Ireland and to have learnt so much about the things that really matter in life, especially the value of a shared sense of community and a pride in our place.

"It's time for a new chapter in my life, but my heart will always be in Your Place And Mine."

Emma Dunseith, BBC Northern Ireland senior head Of content production, said: "A big thank you to Anne Marie for her contribution to BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle for more than 30 years. Her curiosity about people, their stories and places has made Your Place and Mine an enduring success.

"We'll miss her regular presence on our airwaves and know that she'll be missed by listeners."