Where is Sophy Ridge Going After Leaving Sky News? Why is Sophie Ridge Leaving Sky?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Jul 17, 2023
Who is Sophie Ridge?
Sophy Arabella Ridge, born on October 17, 1984, is a prominent English broadcast journalist currently associated with Sky News. Ridge was born and raised in Richmond upon Thames, London. Both of her parents are teachers, and she has a younger brother. She attended Tiffin Girls' School, a selective grammar school in London, where she gained valuable work experience at the local newspaper, Richmond and Twickenham Times.
Continuing her academic journey, Ridge pursued her higher education at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. She completed her studies with a second-class Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. During her final year at university, she seized the opportunity to engage in a work experience placement at the tabloid newspaper, News of the World. This experience proved fruitful as it led to her securing a position on their graduate training program.
Since then, Sophy Ridge has made a name for herself in the field of journalism, particularly in broadcast journalism. She has established herself as a familiar face on Sky News, contributing to their news coverage and analysis. Her expertise and commitment have garnered attention and recognition in the industry.
Where is Sophy Ridge Going After Leaving Sky News?
Sophy Ridge, who has been hosting the Sunday morning politics coverage on Sky News for six years, is set to have her own nightly news show on the channel. The upcoming episode of "Ridge on Sunday" will be her last, as she prepares to launch her new show on weekdays at 7 pm starting in September. Trevor Phillips will take over the Sunday morning role.
Ridge's departure from the Sunday morning slot may evoke mixed feelings at the Scottish National Party (SNP) headquarters, as she has been known for her critical coverage of the party and its shortcomings. While Sunday mornings may become less challenging for the SNP, the prospect of Ridge scrutinizing the administration led by Humza Yousaf after the summer break is likely to cause some unease.
The article highlights some memorable moments from Ridge's time on "Ridge on Sunday," including her direct questioning of SNP politicians. One example cited is her inquiry to Stephen Flynn about whether the SNP had a "dirty secret" and whether they secretly wished for the Conservative Party's success.
The piece also mentions Ridge's confrontational interviews with Nicola Sturgeon, where she pointed out failures in the SNP's governance and challenged Sturgeon's stance on Scottish independence.
The article notes that Ridge's questioning often rattled Sturgeon and mentions instances where the former First Minister had emotional reactions on air. It references a Supreme Court ruling declaring Sturgeon's Indyref2 strategy illegal and highlights Ridge's critical stance on various issues, including the ferry fiasco and allegations involving Patrick Grady.
The author also mentions Kate Forbes, who faced tough questions during her interview with Ridge, and how the SNP's challenges continued with the resignation of Peter Murrell over false membership numbers. Additionally, Humza Yousaf's low approval ratings as health secretary were brought up during Ridge's interview with him.
Overall, the article presents a recap of notable moments from Ridge's show, emphasizing her confrontational approach towards SNP politicians and the potential impact of her departure from the Sunday morning slot.
Is Sophie Ridge Leaving Sky?
Sky News has recently announced a major reshuffle of its news programs, which includes the "Sophy Ridge on Sunday." The final episode of the show, hosted by journalist Sophy Ridge for six years, is scheduled to air this week. The program primarily focused on the latest developments in politics.
Ridge expressed her gratitude to the viewers and acknowledged their support, stating, "Thank you to everyone who has watched and made it part of your Sunday routine. It’s something I have never taken for granted."
Although the show is coming to an end, Ridge will continue to be a part of Sky News and will be presenting a new show on every weeknight from 7 pm. The details of her new show have not been announced yet, but in response to a Twitter user, Ridge promised that there would be "more interviews" on the new program.
There are rumors that Trevor Phillips, who covered Ridge's Sunday slot during her maternity leave in 2021, is being considered as her replacement. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the new host of the Sunday slot.
"Sophy Ridge on Sunday" originally began airing in 2016, taking over from Dermot Murnaghan's political show. One notable change is the transformation of "Ian King Live" from a one-hour show to two half-hour shows, both of which will be renamed "Business Live." Additionally, "Sky News Today" will now run from 12 pm until 5 pm, providing extended coverage throughout the afternoon.
These changes reflect Sky News' strategic efforts to adapt and refine its news programming lineup, offering a refreshed schedule to cater to its viewers' interests and preferences.
"She tweeted as, she wrote: 'I can’t quite believe it but this week is the final ever Sophy Ridge on Sunday. 'The last six years have been an absolute privilege."
Why is Sophie Ridge Leaving Sky?
Sir Trevor Phillips has been announced as the new host of Sky News' flagship Sunday morning politics show, replacing Sophy Ridge. The 69-year-old presenter returns to the show after covering for Ridge during her maternity leave in 2021. When he filled in for her, he became the first person of color to host a flagship UK politics show.
Sir Trevor will permanently take over the Sunday morning slot from Ridge, who is presenting her final show after six years on "Sophy Ridge On Sunday." Ridge will then move on to front a new Sky News primetime weeknight show called "The Politics Hub."
Expressing his excitement, Sir Trevor said it was a privilege to follow in Ridge's footsteps and host the show during such an exciting time for politics. With significant elections on the horizon, both domestically and internationally, he looks forward to working with the Sky team to report on key issues and conduct insightful interviews with decision-makers.
Sophy Ridge Sky News
Sky News stated that Sir Trevor intends to use his forensic interview technique to challenge politicians, offering viewers valuable insights and perspectives on parties, policies, and public support trends. The political talk show will return in September after the summer recess, with Sir Trevor as the host.
Ridge shared her farewell on Twitter, expressing her disbelief that her Sunday program was coming to an end. She thanked the viewers for their support and for making the show part of their Sunday routine, emphasizing that she never took it for granted.
David Rhodes, the executive chairman of Sky News, expressed delight in having Trevor Phillips lead the political conversation every Sunday morning. He highlighted Phillips' experience, intellect, and professionalism as essential qualities for the critical cycle ahead. Together with Beth Rigby, Sam Coates, Sophy Ridge, and the entire Political Hub team, audiences can expect engaging political coverage.
Sir Trevor Phillips has an extensive background as a news anchor and former politician. He previously served as the head of current affairs at ITV station LWT and has received Royal Television Society awards for his journalism. His documentary series in 1998, commemorating 50 years since the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush in Britain, won the documentary series prize. In 2020, he was shortlisted for the British Journalism Awards as a comment writer of the year.
Where is Sophy Ridge Going After Leaving Sky News-FAQs
Sophy Arabella Ridge is an English broadcast journalist known for her work with Sky News. She was born on October 17, 1984, in Richmond upon Thames, London. Ridge has a background in journalism and has covered political news extensively during her career.
Yes, Sophy Ridge is leaving her role as the host of the Sunday morning politics coverage on Sky News. The final episode of her show, "Sophy Ridge on Sunday," is scheduled to air soon. However, Ridge will continue to be associated with Sky News and will be presenting a new weeknight show in the future.
The specific reasons for Sophy Ridge's departure from the Sunday morning show have not been mentioned in the available information. However, it is likely part of a broader restructuring and realignment of Sky's news programming lineup. Networks often make such changes to adapt to evolving viewer preferences and to introduce fresh concepts and faces.
Sir Trevor Phillips has been announced as the replacement for Sophy Ridge on the Sunday morning politics show. Phillips previously covered for Ridge during her maternity leave in 2021 and is known for his experience and expertise in journalism and politics
After leaving the Sunday morning show, Sophy Ridge will be launching her own nightly news show on Sky News. The new show will air on weekdays at 7 pm, starting in September. The exact details and format of the show have not been announced yet.
Yes, Sky News has announced a major reshuffle of its news programs. As part of this restructuring, Sophy Ridge's Sunday morning show is being replaced, and other changes are being made to programs such as "Ian King Live" and "Sky News Today." The goal is to adapt and refine the news programming lineup to better cater to viewer interests and preferences.