Mike Neville, who was the face of television news for many decades in the North East, has died. For more than 40 years he was known as a presenter on both BBC's Look North and Tyne Tees' North East Tonight. His family said the 80-year-old, who retired in 2006, died peacefully in hospital. Born in Willington Quay, Mr Neville launched his career at Tyne Tees in 1962 and moved to the BBC two years later where he presented Look North. He also was known for the Nationwide programme during the 1970s and 80s. In 1996 he returned to ITV to front the main regional news. Speaking to the BBC after he retired, Mr Neville explained that he had no regrets about remaining in the North East and said that he hated working in London. As well as a lifetime achievement award from the Royal Television Society, he was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting. Fellow broadcaster and friend, Pam Royal, said: "I am deeply saddened at the death of my friend and former colleague, Mike Neville. My thoughts are with his wife, Pam, and his family. "Mike was exactly the same off-camera as he was on. He was great fun to be with, full of hilarious stories and always on good form. "We have lost a dear friend, but Mike will always be a North East icon and legend."
Great character. Not many about these days. Face and voice of the North East. True professional and top bloke.
Wow! I recognised the name immediately, and I left the north east 32 years ago! He was THE newsguy when I was a kid. I remember his great sense of humour and his laugh. RIP to a great journalist!
Had the pleasure of seeing him and George House do their double act many years ago - a true North Eastern legend.
He was a good friend of my Mrs's family who we would see at funerals. We tried to contact him a few weeks ago but there was no reply. Very unusual. We now realise why Top bloke. RIP Mike
please log in to view this image The old adage , 'they don't make them like him anymore', certainly applies. please log in to view this image
Can do nothing but second everything already said - I'm 42 now and he was part of my childhood. THE face of the news that we used to watch. RIP Mike - thoughts to his family.
