Sky is launching new programmes hosted by Beth Rigby, Sophy Ridge and Trevor Phillips to highlight “lively debate, discussion and opinion,” the broadcaster has announced.

       In the shake-up, Sky News’ political editor Rigby will be host a prime time show, Beth Rigby Interviews, from March 10.

       She tweeted: “We’ll be covering politics, culture, biz, sport, entertainment & real life stories, talking to people at the coal face of change & exploring their views of what’s going on in Britain & around the world at a time of great uncertainty.

       Housing Secretary James Brokenshire speaks to Sky News’ political reporter Beth Rigby, right, on College Green opposite the Houses of Parliament (PA)

       (PA Archive)

       “Really looking forward to it. And…finally… this show isn’t instead of being Sky News Political Editor, it’s in addition to it. I will still be covering the big political stories during the week and doing the new interview show on Thursdays.”

       Recommended Sturgeon’s reference to higher Covid rates in England was accurate – watchdog Nadhim Zahawi announces crackdown on school attendance ‘postcode lottery’ Sturgeon: End of face masks in schools not being considered ‘at this stage’

       Sky News said The Great Debate with Phillips, the weekly discussion programme, will also be returning from February 7.

       The programme gives the audience the power to question and interrogate decision-makers.

       News anchor and former politician Trevor Phillips, 68, will also host weekly series Common Ground from March, attempting to unite two protagonists with differing opinions on a topic in the news (PA)

       (PA Archive)

       News anchor and former politician Phillips, 68, will also host weekly series Common Ground, attempting to unite two guests with differing opinions on a topic in the news, from March.

       He currently fronts Sky News’ Sunday morning news programme, having taken over from colleague Ridge in May 2021 as she went on maternity leave.

       Ridge, 37, is set to return to Sky News in mid-March and will also be hosting a new show, The Take With Sophy Ridge, at 9pm on Wednesdays.

       The then prime minister Theresa May (left) is interviewed by Sophy Ridge on Sky News (PA)

       (PA Archive)

       The show uses Prime Minister’s Questions as a starting point, will hear from MPs and invite viewers to give their opinion on political headlines.

       John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: “Sky News prides itself on its impartial journalism.

       “We see it as our responsibility to present our viewers with dynamic, engaging and balanced programming, offering clarity in an uncertain world.

       “These new programmes are designed to highlight the lively debate, discussion and opinion that is a vital part of the Sky News brand.

       Recommended Officers honoured for efforts to save five killed in Leicester helicopter crash Woman fatally stabbed in street by ex-partner who was then hit by car Taoiseach accused of ‘not living in real world’ over inflation

       “From holding politicians to account to hearing directly from the people at the heart of the stories, our news organisation puts the British public at the heart of what we do.”

       Sky’s announcement comes after ITV revealed a revamp to its schedule on Monday and as BBC Three is set to return.