She takes over from Stuart Johnstone who has moved into a new role with DC Thomson, owner of My Weekly, after five years as editor.

Watson joined the title in 1999 as an editorial assistant and has worked in a variety of roles across the title, including features writer and celebrity editor. In 2019 she was appointed commissioning fiction editor and has established My Weekly as one of the UK’s foremost outlets for commercial fiction.

Watson said: “to be appointed editor of My Weekly is a tremendous honour. My Weekly is a trusted brand with a proud tradition. It has remained successful because it has always evolved while keeping its readers at its heart. Through a top-class print product, increased digital content the future for My Weekly is incredibly exciting. I cannot wait to get started.”

Maria Welch, Head of Magazines at DC Thomson, added: “in 113 years, Watson is only the 9^th person to take on the title. She has a deep knowledge of the brand. She understands our readers and their appetite for the perfect mix of great fiction, inspiring features, and celebrity news.”

With a readership of 224,000 each week, My Weekly is one of the UK’s most popular women’s magazines and is aimed at women aged 55+.