Mike Neville

Michael Neville, MBE (born James Armstrong Briggs, 17 October 1936 – 6 September 2017) was a British broadcaster, best known as a presenter on regional TV news in north-east England in a 43-year career with the BBC and ITV franchisee Tyne Tees Television. In 1990, Neville was awarded the MBE for services to broadcasting. – to James Briggs, a labourer, and Mary – he attended the Addison Potter Infant and Junior School in Willington Quay and Stephenson Memorial Secondary School in Howdon.

His first job at the age of 15 was at the Northern Guild of Commerce and Chamber of Trade. He was subsequently a junior editorial assistant at the Daily Mails Newcastle offices. In 1955, he began two years of National Service in Cyprus, where he rose to the rank of Corporal in the Wiltshire Regiment. After a short time as an insurance agent, he joined the repertory company of Newcastle Playhouse full-time in 1957 and changed his name to Michael Neville. A few months later, Neville made his television debut, playing a policeman in Tyne Tees' children's programme Happy Go Lucky. He later appeared in a similar role in Under New Management, a locally produced pub sitcom produced by future Dad's Army co-creator David Croft and written by Johnny Speight. Neville was appointed an MBE in the 1991 New Year Honours for services to broadcasting. By this point, he was Britain's longest serving TV presenter, having received a Unique Achievement award from the Royal Television Society in 2001.

Neville went on to make occasional guest appearances on TV and radio, including a BBC Four documentary celebrating regional television in July 2011. In February 2017, he was honoured again by the Royal Television Society in the North East with a special award to mark his 80th birthday.

Personal life He lived in Whickham with his wife Pamela Edwards, whom he married in 1962 after they met in repertory theatre in Blyth. They had a daughter, Carolyn.