Congratulations are in order for 2023 Fellow Issa Farfour, who has just won the ITV Newcomer of the Year award at their annual celebrations.

Issa told us “what a journey it has been!! Coming all the way from Syria to the UK following my ambition to become a broadcast journalist, going through years of hardship and perseverance, I am today standing with pride on my face and an award in my hands.

“I have been given the opportunity to grow on screen, working with the most amazing and talented colleagues at ITV Wales. What a privilege!!  I want nothing but to grow and give back to those who stood by my side, those who held my hand, to all those who sent the elevator back down to pick up someone like me.

Not only that but I have been matched with Quentin Sommerville from the BBC through the John Schofield Trust Mentoring scheme, simply, I am over the moon and can’t wait to live and enjoy what comes next”.

Issa is an on-screen journalist for ITV Wales. You can keep up with Issa’s work through his twitter profile.