Alastair Stewart 'quit TV role after black man claimed he called him angry ape on Twitter' - Daily Record

The mystery decision by veteran newsreader Alastair Stewart to step down from his ITV News presenting duties may have been due to a tweet sent to a black man where he used the word "ape'.

The 67-year-old - whose career in front of the camera spans 40 years - said in a statement on Wednesday that he made a "misjudgment which I regret" as it was revealed he was quitting his presenting role.

ITN said in the statement that the journalist's use of social media "breached" its editorial guidelines, but did not elaborate about the nature of Stewart's actions.

Stewart shut down his Twitter account and speculation has mounted as to what specific comments prompted his decision.

Many thought it was because he called a Twitter user an "absolute p****' while The Daily Star reported that it was due to the fact he had tweeted that "there are some absolute p****s at the BBC".

Martin Shapland took offence at Alastair Stewart's tweet and claimed the ITN journalist referred to him as an ape

However, evidence has now emerged that Stewart decided to call it a day after he used the word "ape" when quoting Shakespeare in a tweet sent to a black Twitter user. The incident took place just weeks before he announced his shock resignation.

Stewart and Twitter user Martin Shapland had argued on Twitter over how the Crown was funded by the taxpayer.

The newsreader then quoted from Shakespeare's Measure for Measure.

He wrote: "But man, proud man, Dress'd in a little brief authority, Most ignorant of what he's most assur'd - His glassy essence - like an angry ape, Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven.

"As makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens, Would all themselves laugh mortal."

Mr Shapland later retweeted the comment and branded Stewart a "disgrace".

Alastair Stewart quoted Shakespeare in a tweet to Martin Shapland

He said: "Just an ITV newsreader referring to me as an ape with the cover of Shakespeare. Measure for measure, Alistair is a disgrace."

Neither ITN nor Stewart have revealed what the "misjudgement" was that caused him to step down.

However, Mr Shapland appears to offer a clue that he was involved in the newsreader's decision with his Twitter page profile now saying: "Tweet in haste, repent at leisure."

Stewart, who joined ITN in 1980 as industrial correspondent, said in a statement: "It was a misjudgment which I regret, but it's been a privilege to bring the news to households throughout the UK for the past 40 years."

The father of four, who has deleted his Twitter account, has been a staff reporter and presenter on ITV News programmes.

Recently he has worked as a part-time freelance presenter, mainly on the lunchtime news and weekend programmes.

ITV newsreaders Mary Nightingale and Julie Etchingham were among those to comment on the announcement, with both saying Stewart would be missed.

Martin Shapland's Twitter profile now says "Tweet in haste, repent at leisure"

Nightingale wrote on Twitter: "Very sad about the departure of #AlastairStewart.

"He was a good friend and mentor to me when I started at Carlton TV, and we worked together for more than 27 years. I will miss him."

Etchingham tweeted: "So sad to learn this - we have worked on many big stories together & Al is a trusted friend and guide to many of us."

Michael Jermey, director of news and current affairs at ITV, said: "Alastair has been a long-standing, familiar figure to viewers of ITV News, both reporting and presenting with distinction.

"We wish him the very best for the future."