A Good Morning Britain star is leaving the show.

GMB

Charlotte Hawkins bid farewell to her co-star on air (Image: ITV)

Charlotte Hawkins bid farewell to Good Morning Britain star Richard Gaisford as he joined them on his last ever show. Richard joined Ed Balls and Charlotte Hawkins on Christmas Eve, sharing the further details on the day’s biggest news stories, including the latest updates on the King’s speech and the ongoing controversy involving Prince Andrew. Once Richard had concluded his update, Charlotte took the opportunity to thank him for all his hard work as she announced it would be his final show.

She said: “I’ve just got to take this moment to say goodbye and thank you to Richard Gaisford who has been with us here on ITV breakfast for 26 years now.” Charlotte described her co-star as a “much-loved member of our team” and acknowledged the hard work Richard has done while working for the broadcaster.

Richard struggled to hold back the tears as Charlotte continued: “He has travelled right around the world for Good Morning Britain. He’s been in warzones. He’s covered all sorts of different stories for us over the years.

“He is an exceptional journalist. He is the best and we wish him all the best. Richard, thank you so much. You will be very missed.”

Ed added: “On behalf of the viewers, Richard, thank you for all of that public broadcasting service you have given. Finding truth, objectivity and telling all of us what is really going on with that extra special bit of analysis which we’ve always got from you.

“As a newbie on the block here, I’ve learnt a lot from you over the last two years. Thank you very very much.”

Richard Gaisford

Richard was overcome with emotion as Ed and Charlotte thanked him for his hard work (Image: ITV)

An emotional Richard responded: “Thank you both. It’s been a privilege. I’ve had the best job in television news. I’ve worked with the most incredible people. I will miss all of you immensely and wish you the best of luck with what happens next year.

“I’m out there looking for new adventures.”

Richard joined GMTV in 2000, later becoming chief correspondent for the programme. He went on to join GMTV’s successor Daybreak in 2010 and remained chief correspondent for Good Morning Britain following its launch in 2014.

Confirming his exit back in October, the TV star said: “I have been privileged to have the best job in TV news for the last quarter of a century, trusted to take a front row seat at history making events all over the world. I have worked with an incredible team of journalists and camera operators, broadcasting to a highly responsive breakfast audience.

“I’m really excited about moving on to new opportunities in a fast-changing media world, starting another chapter in my career.”