A high profile BBC journalist is quitting to become a nun.

BBC political correspondent Martina Purdy, a former Belfast Telegraph business editor, said she was leaving journalism for personal reasons after nearly 25 years as a reporter.

On the new direction her life is taking after years covering the twists and turns at Stormont, Martina, a practising Catholic, took to Twitter yesterday afternoon to reveal the details to her followers.

"Hi, I'm leaving the BBC," she wrote. "Here's my statement. God bless, Martina xx"

Ms Purdy requested that the media respects her privacy in relation to the matter.

"I've been a journalist now for almost 25 years, 15 of them at the BBC," she said in a statement.

"It has been an immensely rewarding profession and I'm very grateful for all the support I've had over many years from colleagues, family, contacts and friends.

"I am especially grateful to the BBC for the opportunities I've been given. The BBC has always been very supportive of my work.

"I want to wish all my colleagues all the very best both here and at Stormont, especially my friends in the political unit. I shall miss them very much."

Purdy is the latest high-profile female journalist to quit BBC Northern Ireland for a new challenge.

Her move comes just a year after concerns were raised about the broadcaster losing a series of well-known female faces.

Among the famous names to leave last year were sports presenter Denise Watson, news anchor Sarah Travers, television news editor Angelina Fusco and reporter Natasha Sayee.

Martina, a Stormont regular who reported on every significant story in the peace process, also wished Northern Ireland's MLAs well as they prepare to embark on legacy negotiations.

"I also want to wish the politicians well in their future endeavours," she said.

"I know many people will not understand this decision. It is a decision that I have not come to lightly, but it is one that I make with love and great joy. I ask for prayers as I embark on this path with all humility, faith and trust.

"This is a very personal decision.

"I ask that the media respect my privacy and that of the religious congregation which I am entering as I face up to the new challenges of my life.

"I will not be making any further public comment about this matter."

Kathleen Carragher, the head of news at BBC NI, paid tribute to Ms Purdy and described the reporter as "one of BBC NI's most talented and hard-working correspondents".

"She has contributed a huge amount over the years to BBC NI's output during a period of significant political developments," Ms Carragher added.

"She has worked on daily and weekly television and radio news programmes, on documentaries, on election specials and on news online.

"We will miss her wit and wisdom. I wish her happiness and fulfilment in her new life."

Online Editors