Beverley O'Connor quits ABC and leaves show The World

Popular ABC News presenter Beverley O'Connor has announced that she is quitting after more than 10 years with the national broadcaster.

O'Connor, who hosts The World news programme, announced she was leaving the ABC on Tuesday night.

'It’s been a privilege,' she said. 'Time to breathe and contemplate a new chapter.'

Daily Mail Australia understands the presenter is undertaking knee replacement surgery. 

O'Connor has worked for ABC radio and television since 1987. She specialised in economics and politics and was a presenter on ABC Radio Melbourne for five years before moving to the Seven Network in 2004.

In 2008, she filled in as weekend presenter of ABC News Victoria, before being appointed as presenter of The World.  

O'Connor was born in South Africa and studied journalism in Johannesburg. She also studied drama and ballet. She moved to Australia in the 1980s.

Many viewers were left saddened by her departure from the ABC. 

'Will miss you on the late night tune-ins catching us up on The World. You have a nice soothing voice for tuning down in the evening. All the best for what's next for you,' one viewer wrote online.

Another added:  'Thank you Bev, for the years of grace, integrity, intellect and class, with which you presented The World. We will miss the gentle calm of your voice late in the evening.'

A third said: 'I always looked forward to seeing you on The World. A great mix of professionalism, knowledge and humor/lightheartedness/friendliness thrown in. Fabulous interviewing skills. Thanks for everything.'