03 October 2023 , 09:39
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BBC News took to social media to announce a presenter shake-up as Emma Vardy has been replaced by Sara Girvin as the new Northern Ireland correspondent.
Last month, Emma, 41, who has just welcomed a baby boy, told fans that she was set to quit her role to pursue a career in Los Angeles. And at the time speculation was mounting over who the news channel would replace her with. But now, BBC News wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Delighted to announce that Sara Girvin has been appointed as the new Ireland Correspondent for BBC News. Congratulations Sara!"
Sara Girvin has been announced as the new Northern Ireland correspondent on BBC News (BBC)Sara has been a Newsline correspondent for the BBC for the past eight years. And it looks as though she also got the seal of approval from viewers who also took to the same social media platform to pen their opinion. One person wrote: "Fantastic news Sarah! Good luck with the role." While another said: "This is amazing! Well done Sarah."
A third added: "Yes Sarah!! Go girl." And a fourth wrote: "Well this is just amazing. Congratulations Sarah." When Emma told fans that she was quitting the UK to work across the pond many assumed that she was looking to pursue an acting career.
And so in a bid to set the record straight, she posted a picture of herself holding her baby boy Jago Fionn along with a small American flag and said: "We’ve certainly had our hands (& hearts) full lately, now there’s a big adventure ahead for my wee family. After an incredible 5 years in Northern Ireland, Jago Fionn @Mr_PlusOne & I are off to actual Hollywood! Not for my acting skills but to become the BBC’s LA Correspondent."
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Emma announced the arrival of her son last month on social media and wrote: "Presenting my best breaking news ever. Baby boy Jago Fionn is here. At just a few hours old, playing a little camera shy. Huge thanks to the dedicated and talented midwives and doctors at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, for looking after us so well. Smitten and so in love."
She explained to fans that the name Jago is from Cornish origin and is a form of the name James or Jacob. It was only in March last year that Emma tied the knot with her husband Aaron Adams, with a fairytale wedding at the Lissanoure Castle in County Antrim.
After completing her degree in journalism, Emma kick-started her career as an editorial assistant at Sky Sports. Soon after, she landed a job at BBC Cornwall where she became a sports presenter in 2006 and covered major sporting events including premiere league football matches, Rugby Lions Tour and Formula One racing.
And by 2011 she became the political reporter at BBC News and Home Affairs correspondent at BBC South before landing the role as Northern Ireland correspondent in 2018.