ITV host Charlene White says 'sad to leave us' after tearful co-star's emotional farewell

said goodbye to a much-loved colleague who has stepped down from her role after four years. deputy political editor Anushka Asthana, who has held the role since July 2021 and co-hosted ITV's Peston with political editor Robert Peston, is moving to News as US editor.

The host, 44, said she's "sad" to see her colleague leave the network. Describing Anushka as an "amazing human", the broadcaster offered some kind words to her friend and co-star, who was inundated with messages after making the announcement on April 10.

Charlene responded to Anushka's farewell post, writing on X: "I'm so proud of @AnushkaAsthana. Sad to see her leave us at @itvnews, but excited about her next adventure. She does politics like no-one else. Her scripting is top class. Her delivery on point, impeccable & easy to understand. She's also just a brilliant, kind, amazing human."

It comes as the politics correspondent thanked her ITV colleagues ahead of her departure and admitted she's "crying at the idea of leaving".

Anushka penned: "Such an exciting adventure but so sad to leave ITV News. I've had a wild ride! Too many to name but under 3 brilliant editors @laurajwilshaw @andrewdagnell @RachelCorpTweet and how do I even describe the epic @Peston @RachBradleyITV & their immensely brilliant Westminster team.

I'll be finishing up at ITV News in late May, but will be at Peston prog @itvpeston until the summer. I've had 8 years there with Screeny and again too many to name! But crying at idea of leaving @lili_donlon @anguswneale @kishan_koria @mjclarkson_& amazing @vickyflind."

She added: "But what a team to join. @esmewren was the first person to get me into TV - hiring me to Sky News from the Times. She was an incredible boss then, and I've watched her extraordinary career since then in awe. Super excited to be joining the brilliant C4 News team."

Social media users flocked to comment on the post as one wrote: "Big loss to ITV. Big gain for Channel 4."

"While I am so so happy for you, I will be sad to see you go. I so loved hearing you talk and how you explained your reports. What's @Peston going to do without you. Congratulations," a second penned.

Anushka has also presented BBC Radio 4's Week In Westminster and worked at The Times, The Observer and The Washington Post.