Simon McCoy becomes latest presenter to leave GB News

Newsreader Simon McCoy is leaving his role at GB News for "personal reasons", a spokesperson for the channel has said.

The veteran broadcaster, 60, announced his move there in March after 17 years working at the BBC.

The BBC understands that the decision regarding McCoy's departure was made some months ago.

McCoy is not the first high profile journalist to step down since the launch of GB News in June this year.

Andrew Neil resigned from his position as lead presenter and chairman in September, saying he became a "minority of one" within management.

The news of McCoy stepping down comes hours after it was confirmed Eamonn Holmes, 62, would be moving from ITV to host a new programme.

Holmes will present alongside Isabel Webster, after current breakfast host Kirsty Gallacher also said she would be "stepping back", after finding a tumour in her ear.

Holmes and Webster will present a breakfast show together starting in the new year.

In a statement made by GB News when McCoy joined, they described him as "one of Britain's best loved and most charismatic journalists".

The TV channel launched in June with a number of big name presenters including McCoy, Neil, and ITV's Alastair Stewart.

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage is also now an on-air presenter.