Former Factory Records boss Tony Wilson – now frontman for the ITV regional news programme in the North West - was suspended from reading last night's news after an "expletive-strewn tirade" at production staff was heard by viewers during a live mid-afternoon news broadcast. Midway through the 3pm news update he could be clearly hear shouting to his crew: "There's no fucking red lights on the camera, I can't see which camera I'm on. They're not fucking working."
Shortly after the incident – which led to the usual barrage of complaints – ITV’s North West company Granada issued a statement saying: "Anthony Wilson and Granada Television wish to apologise unreservedly for any offence caused to viewers watching the 3pm news bulletin. We would like to stress the incident was entirely unintentional and Anthony was not aware his remarks were being broadcast. Anthony did apologise on air to viewers at the end of the bulletin, however, following discussions, Anthony and Granada Reports producers have agreed it would not be appropriate for him to present this evening's programme as a further gesture of apology to our viewers."
Wilson has worked for Granada's news department since the late seventies – and was their roving reporter at the same time he set up the legendary Factory Records and Hacienda night club – a period in his life retold in the '24-hour Party People' movie. He continued hosting current affairs shows for Granada throughout the eighties, but only returned to front the station's main news show last year.
As far as we are aware Tony (or Anthony when he's in news mode) will return to the show tonight.