Sir Trevor McDonald, born on August 16, 1939, in Trinidad, is one of the most recognized and respected faces in British broadcasting. With a career spanning over six decades, he became the first Black news anchor in the UK. He has since been honoured for his contributions to journalism with numerous accolades, including a knighthood (1999).
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McDonald started his career in Trinidad, later joining the BBC World Service before moving to ITV, where he became a staple of British news. After he retired from his anchor role at News at Ten, McDonald continued to work on documentaries and brought stories from around the world to British audiences.
Despite leading his life in the limelight, the 85-year-old largely kept his personal life under wraps. As such, people were shocked when he announced his split from his wife of 34 years in 2020.
Trevor McDonald’s split from wife after 34 years
In September 2020, Sir Trevor McDonald and his wife Josephine made headlines with the announcement of their separation, reports The Express. The couple married in 1986 and had been together for over three decades when they announced the split. Together, they share a son Jack - who is now 31 years old.
According to sources, their split was amicable, driven largely by the realisation that they were no longer making each other happy. An insider told The Sun at that time:
It is sad but Trevor and Jo realised they weren’t making one another happy anymore, and that it was time to move on with their lives.
Trevor is still very much in demand work-wise and wanted a fresh start. He feels young and still has a twinkle in his eye.
The separation was said to be free of bitterness or animosity. Trevor moved out of the family home into a nearby apartment. The source added:
He and Josephine have a long history so obviously they are still speaking, and everything is amicable. Trevor has moved into his own apartment and friends are joking it is his bachelor pad.
Trevor McDonald’s relationship with ex-wife Josephine
Trevor and Josephine's story began in the newsroom. The pair met at ITN, where Trevor was already an established figure in the news industry. They fell in love and married in 1986, a year after Trevor divorced his first wife, Beryl, reports Mirror. Trevor and Josephine welcomed their son Jack and seemed to share a stable, supportive partnership until…until 2004.
Reports suggest that the couple briefly went through a ‘trial separation’ in 2004, they reconciled and continued their marriage until their final separation in 2020. In interviews, McDonald has occasionally shared how difficult it was for Josephine to cope with his demanding schedule.
Before meeting Josephine, McDonald was married to Beryl, with whom he shares two older children, Joanne and Tim. Trevor and Beryl married in 1964, but after 21 years, the couple parted ways in 1985. McDonald’s dedication to his career reportedly placed strains on both marriages.
At 81, McDonald’s life continues to reflect his dedication to journalism and storytelling. Even in retirement, he remains active in broadcasting through special documentaries and investigative reports.
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Sources used:
The Express: Why ITV legend Trevor McDonald split from wife of 34 years for bachelor life in his 80s
The Sun: Who is Trevor McDonald’s wife and do they have children?
Mirror: Inside Trevor McDonald's marriage to Josephine as they split after 34 years
