Lucy Meacock, journalist, campaigner, Chancellor of Salford University, and Granada TV news anchor, talks about her plans for the future, including her wedding in October, and the highlights of a career filled with laughter and tears.
Tell us about your childhood
I was born in South Wales but moved to Chester when I was six and I had a lovely childhood. At the age of 13, my father got a job at a university in Australia and so we all moved out there. I was heartbroken to leave my friends but as soon as I landed I thought: ‘Let’s get on with it, there’s no point in looking back, you have to move forward.’ So we had an idyllic life in Australia with beautiful weather, nectarines growing in the garden and wonderful new friends. I quickly adopted an Australian accent because I didn’t want to be an outsider. My mum struggled quite a bit as she was very homesick; she missed the countryside of beautiful Cheshire. She missed her family and friends and became ill, so three years later, we moved back to England and, yet again,I was heartbroken to leave friends behind.
When did you decide you wanted to be a journalist?
By nature, I’m a bit nosey and as a child, I was always asking ‘why’ and ‘how’, and people would naturally confide in me.I was about 12 when I first had journalistic aspirations but even before then I always had a natural interest in current affairs and how people coped through crisis. My dad taught me there are always atleasttwo sides to an argument. I learnt a lot from him, especially as he encouraged me to read a lot. When I was 18 I applied to Oxford but didn’t get in, so I tried for an apprenticeship at my local newspaper – the Chester Chronicle – and was accepted. I loved it. I remember getting my first wage and going into a boutique and buying an outfit with my own money for the first time, without my mum saying that it was too expensive. It was such a thrill. I haven’t looked back.
What have been the highlights of your career?
I’ve been very lucky as there have been many but probably the Hillsborough coverage, which won the Granada Reports team a BAFTA in 2013 for Hillsborough – The Truth at Last. That was special. Both my parents died when I was in my twenties and my father died around the same time as the Hillsborough tragedy. I had a close connection with Trevor Hicks, who lost his two daughters at Hillsborough. I interviewed him, as well as others, and he campaigned tirelessly for justice for the people who died and their families, so, when the inquiry ruled that 40 lives could have been saved if things had been handled differently, I was thrilled. When Trevor Hicks came out of the inquiry at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, and there were cameras, press and public there, he saw me, came over and he did an impromptu, live-on-air interview with me. There was this unforgettable moment as, during the interview, the crowd gave a rendition of Abide With Me, which was incredibly emotional. Another incredible highlight was my 30th anniversary with Granada Reports. I was overwhelmed by the kind messages from viewers – many of them people who had grown up with me on the programme. My colleagues at Granada Reports planned a surprise programme with fantastic messages from all sorts of celebrities and people I had interviewed over the years. It meant the world to me.
That night I was given a normal running order for the programme, not knowing that everyone else was planning a completely different programme. It was extra special because when Ilook back now it was before lockdown and before my co-anchor, Tony Morris, became ill. He was a tremendous friend, hilariously funny, and wonderfully kind and supportive. And then Carolyn Hughes, a friend who works in PR, organised an amazing lunch at the Hilton in the centre of Liverpool. I thought it would be a quiet celebration with a few friends. When I walked in I couldn’t believe my eyes – there were hundreds of people there and the room was decorated beautifully with the most amazing flowers; it took my breath away. Pete Price did a fabulous interview with me about my career – and lots ofthe people I had interviewed were there too, including the brilliant Margaret Aspinall from the Hillsborough campaign.
What’s been the most memorable interview you have done?
The Trevor Hicks interview, and I loved the Upfront programme I hosted as you didn’t know what questions or comments were going to be made when you threw it open to the general audience. It was edge-of-your-seat television – brilliant but nerve-racking at the same time. A memorable moment on Upfront was when we had a debate about introducing a pacifist white poppy for peace and a fight broke out between the two gentlemen who had a difference of opinion.
What’s been the most challenging time during your career?
One of the toughest and saddest programmes I have ever done was our tribute to Tony Morris (who died from kidney cancer in 2019). It was a huge challenge for the whole team. Our hearts were broken; we were in shock and missing him so much. It was also very difficult for our viewers, who loved him too and felt as if they had lost a friend. It was an honour to present that programme – I felt he was sitting next to me all the way through it, until I reached the closing link and had to say goodbye. I have always tried to be professional but on that occasion, my voice cracked and my eyes filled with tears and as soon as we were off air I broke down in tears and so did many of my colleagues. It was also a huge honour when his wonderful daughters, Nat and Becky, who he loved so very much, asked me to do the eulogy at his funeral.
If you could interview anybody, you would be at the top of your list and why?
I’d like to interview Pete Kay again as he’s great fun. Also, I love Sue Johnston and Sir Paul McCartney. There are two women who I would love to interview – Dame Judi Dench and Dame Helen Mirren.I am intrigued by them both – hugely talented people who never court publicity. I’d also love to know where Helen Mirren gets all of her amazing dresses from. But it’s the general public who are the most surprising as they often show incredible courage and tenacity under immense pressure.
What are your favourite destinations in Cheshire and why?
I love to walk my dog along the river in Eccleston throughout the year. There is incredible beauty there all year round. There’s a particular tree that overhangs the river and whenever I feel a bit down I always leave that spot feeling better. I live in Chester and we are so spoilt for choice for dining and one of my favourites is Artezzan, as they have such a brilliant chef and it’s always a great atmosphere. The Spa at Kasia, based at the Grosvenor Hotel, Pulford, recharges the batteries. Their back massages and facials are second to none. It is like going on holiday and they have introduced me to some heavenly products. I have two wonderful friends I meet there and they love it too – the perfect place for a catch-up over a coffee, a light lunch or afternoon tea.
How do you look after yourself?
I go to the gym and I love to play golf. My partner, Jonathan Cowdell, and I have joined Delamere Forest Golf Club, where my parents used to play. My mum’s name is up on the board there from 1980, so it’s lovely to see that. It also mentally relaxes me. I took up skiing when I was 40, ice skating when I was 50 and lately, Jonathan and I have started dancing lessons together. He’ll kill me for telling you this – we are hardly Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. We get it wrong most of the time but it’s all about teamwork and when we get it, there is complete harmony.
A lot of what you have to report is incredibly sad or shocking. How do you protect or prepare yourself mentally so it doesn’t have a detrimental effect on you?
That’s an interesting question. We are only human. There have been times when I’ve driven home in floods of tears due to an interview that has affected me. There are lots of people whose interviews and stories I remember over the years but it’s not about me, so you can’t let it affect you. I am there to deliver the news.It does make you appreciate your life more and I never take for granted how lucky I am personally. I do give myself news-free zones where I switch off, especially at the weekend.
Congratulations on your engagement. How did you meet your fiancé, Jonathan?
Thank you. We met through friends nearly five years ago. I am the happiest that I’ve ever been in my life… and he says that he’s very happy too. It’s wonderful. We have a great time together. I feel as if I have found my soul mate. We were in Northumberland for a break when he surprised me by proposing, and I immediately said yes.
What kind of wedding will it be?
We are going to have a very simple yet romantic wedding at our local church, in October. I have no idea what to wear so you may have to help me out with that. Straight after we may have a mini-moon and then have a longer honeymoon later on some time.
What does your role as Chancellor of Salford University entail?
It is an incredible honour. I oversee and speak at the graduation ceremonies. I see it as a way of putting something back into society. We desperately need the skills honed at the university, especially in the health service. I want to inspire people to aim high and think big. I hope when I am old and grey I might watch one of our students presenting a TV show where they hold the decision-makers to account.
What is on the agenda professionally?
This is such an exciting chapter of my life and I have never been so busy. This year I will have been presenting Granada Reports for 36 years. There’s still lots to do though and I want to set aside some time to do more writing. I am currently writing a guide to presentations and interviews. It will offer a range of tips to help other journalists and also people who are interviewing for businesses or being interviewed for new jobs. I have presented live TV for 40 years so I must have learnt something of use along the way. I am also starting to plot out a thriller because I love nothing better than curling up to read a good book. I have always dreamt of having a shepherd’s hut to escape to.Ilove writing.I have written for newspapers, radio and TV almost every day of my working life since I was 18. The only thing I have been lacking is time. I am looking forward to hosting the Education awards in Chester, the graduations at Salford University, the North West Construction Awards and Manchester Business Awards in September. There’s a lot going on.
What are your favourite beauty products?
It’s pretty obvious I don’t have much of a beauty routine, I think, but I love taking makeup off with Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm. I like the moisturiser Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Light Hydrating Cream, and for a boost on a grey day, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, as recommended by my colleague, Victoria Grimes.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Worry less.I always thought somebody would tap me on the shoulder and say: ‘Can a real presenter take over now?’ I remember my mum saying: ‘You must have worried about a thousand things that haven’t happened.’ In my job, it sometimes pays to try and prepare for potential situations that could happen. In life you can’t live like that, you have to go with the flow.
Do you feel that when things do go wrong or challenge you it can be for a reason?
right. Maybe if my parents hadn’t taken me away from Cheshire allthose years ago,I wouldn’t have realised that the best place to live is in this wonderful county
