Julia Harley-Brewer steps down from Talk, expected to join GB News

News Broadcasting today announces that award-winning journalist and broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer will be stepping down from her flagship morning show on Talk from Thursday 19th November. Alex Phillips will succeed Julia as host of the show from Monday to Thursday on Talk.

Julia has been a cornerstone of the station since joining in March 2016. Over more than a decade at News UK, she has been at the heart of Talk’s evolution into a high-impact multi-platform broadcast network, commanding huge audiences across DAB, connected TV, YouTube and the free Talk app.

Renowned for her fearless, no-nonsense interviewing style and incisive political commentary, Julia helped define Talk's identity as the home of common sense. She departs to focus on new journalistic projects and will write opinion pieces for The Sun.

Julia Hartley-Brewer says: "Broadcasting on Talk over the past decade has been a privilege and a pleasure. I am incredibly proud of what we have created together over ten wonderful years. It’s been a rollercoaster ride of news since 2016, starting with Brexit and Trump, through Covid and lockdowns, as well as wars in Westminster and overseas, and I have loved every minute both on and off air.

“I want to thank my brilliant colleagues and all the unsung heroes behind the scenes, but most of all I want to  say a huge thank you to our army of loyal listeners and viewers who have tuned in every day to laugh, argue and cut through the spin with me. Talk remains in brilliant hands with a phenomenal production team and I wish the station every success as it moves from strength to strength."

Alex Phillips, who currently anchors Talk's Friday morning show as well as regular prime-time specials, in addition to growing a significant following on YouTube, will present the morning show from Monday 23rd November. She joins a Monday to Thursday line up that includes Jeremy Kyle, Ian Collins and Kevin O’Sullivan.

Alex Phillips says: "Julia is a genuine broadcasting titan and following in her footsteps is a tremendous honour. Talk has built a unique, vital space for open debate where common sense comes first, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to take the helm at the mid-morning show. The energy and ambition across the station is palpable, and I can’t wait to hold this government - and the whole political class - to proper account."

Scott Taunton, EVP, President of News Broadcasting, says: "Julia has been an integral part of Talk’s DNA. Her tenacity, sharp wit, and fearless journalistic instincts helped put the station firmly on the national map. She has consistently set the news agenda and given a powerful voice to her audience. We are deeply grateful for her exceptional contribution to News Broadcasting over the past decade. 

“As Talk continues its digital expansion and audience growth, Alex Phillips - a peerless common sense thinker and growing voice in the creator space - will present the weekday morning show. Alex is a razor-sharp, compelling broadcaster who already commands huge respect from our audience. Her appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in top-tier talent delivering bold, unapologetic speech broadcasting across all platforms."

Julia’s final show will be on Thursday 19th November.