What happened on BBC ONE North West?

When the ident played for North West Tonight, under the annoucer's voice, was Gordon Burns saying 'Welcome to the prog...' and then a funny rewind noise which was followed by Gordon saying, exactly the same, 'Welcome to the programme. The headlines this Thursday evening...'

Does this lead to a conclusion that the headlines are pre-recorded?

Most headlines for regional programmes are recorded.
Some don't like actually doing them live on air and for other regional programmes is allows them to get the thunderclaps on beat, which is what NWT & EMT does, sounds more professional.

That's not the only reason. Most regions have recorded their headlines since the year dot. Invariably its because they don't have enough VT machines or lines available to play in all the stuff at the top of the show and get the first story VT ready and cued up

Look North (Leeds) read their headlines live - they are rehearsed so that they fit in with the thunderclaps.