BBC Look East presenter Susie Fowler-Watt is to leave the BBC in December after 35 years with the corporation, bringing an end to a long career reporting on some of the biggest stories affecting the East of England.
The 56-year-old will present her final edition of the regional news programme on 18 December, having decided to focus on her work as a psychotherapist.
Fowler-Watt joined the BBC in 1991 at BBC Radio Surrey before moving into political reporting in Westminster. She became BBC Look East’s political correspondent before taking on the role of lead presenter in 1997.
Reflecting on her departure, she said it had been a privilege to present the programme and become part of the lives of viewers across the region.
“I have absolutely loved the job, but I’m now in a new chapter of life, and keen to focus my energy on my therapy work,” she said.
“Presenting the BBC’s 18:30 regional news programme has been such a privilege, as you’re very much part of your community and are invited into hundreds of thousands of homes every evening.
“I have grown up alongside our Look East audience, having become a lead presenter in my 20s.”
She added that her role had always been about representing viewers and asking questions on their behalf.
A familiar face across the East of England
During her time at Look East, Fowler-Watt became one of the programme’s most recognisable faces, spending 23 years presenting alongside Stewart White.
The pair initially worked together at the BBC’s former headquarters at St Catherine’s Close in Norwich before the programme moved to The Forum in 2003.
Her reporting career has taken her from Westminster to the heart of major national stories, including the Soham murders, the trial of serial killer Steve Wright, the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
She has also interviewed eight prime ministers during her career, including David Cameron shortly before the 2016 EU referendum and Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street during the pandemic in 2020.
Fowler-Watt qualified as a psychotherapist in 2024 and is now preparing to devote more of her time to the profession.
Robert Thompson, Director of Production for BBC Local, praised her contribution to the corporation and the communities it serves.
“Susie has made an outstanding contribution to the BBC and audiences across the East of England,” he said.
Describing her as a trusted voice during both good times and challenging moments, Thompson said she had championed the region and its communities with warmth, integrity and professionalism.
He added that the BBC was grateful for her dedication and the lasting impact she had made, wishing her well for the future.
Her departure marks the end of a 35-year career at the BBC, including almost three decades as a lead presenter on one of the corporation’s flagship regional news programmes.