Vanessa Feltz has announced she will be quitting her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show after nearly 12 years on air.
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Sharing the news with her early morning listeners, the veteran broadcast journalist shared a few words. Fighting back tears, the 60-year-old said: "I have something to tell you and I know that you already know that I love you… Oh, I knew I was going to cry but I’m going to try not to. Take a deep breath, gosh.
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"For the last 12 years lovely listeners, you and I have rendezvoused in the blessed hours before dawn. While the rest of the world snored and slumbered, we have answered deeply personal and probing questions, we have paused for thought, and we have fathomed the famous last words."
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She concluded by adding: "We have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and trips to the dentist. We have buoyed each other up through thick, thin, and the pandemic. And we have coasted through crises on a rousing raft of BBC 2 music. I have been honoured to share the small hours with you."
Vanessa shared her sad news on Thursday morning
In a statement shared this morning, Vanessa said: "I have loved every moment with my Radio 2 'Early Birds' and will miss my Lovely Listeners, Jolly Good Fellows and beloved friends and colleagues at Radio 2 with all my heart. However, after almost 12 blissful years, I now need to step down to catch up on a much-needed decade's deficit of beauty sleep!
"It's been an honour and privilege to be the Breakfast voice of BBC Radio London for 20 years and although I'm leaving the show, I'll continue to expect hugs from my lovely listeners when I see them on the streets of London!
Vanessa is loved-up with her partner Ben Ofoedu
"I will enjoy a dollop of energy-boosting shut-eye to swing from zip-lines with my three effervescent grandchildren and frolic with my fiancé Ben, who irritatingly remains 10 years younger than me!"
Vanessa's fans flocked to the comment section to express their heartbreak, with fellow TV star Carol Vorderman writing: "Oh Lady V. This is devastating news for everyone who listens. You will be so missed. BUT what a great and unique life so far. You've done it your way and you'll carry on doing it your way. Love you and admire you so much. The other and far lesser "Lady V."
The TV star is hoping to spend more time with her grandchildren
Lisa Snowden similarly paid her tributes, adding: "You're the best there is V! You’ve earned that" while fellow broadcaster Sara Cox penned: "In bits. What a brilliant farewell speech though I wouldn’t expect anything less. So happy for you & your family that you're going to get more kip. You're an outstanding broadcaster, an inspiration, and a lovely friend."
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