Ben Shephard could not help but risk the wrath of his 'rival' Dan Walker following Louise Minchin's departure from BBC Breakfast on Wednesday.
Congratulating her two-decade-long tenure on the show, the Good Morning Britain host joked that Louise had traded her co-host Dan "for a new model".
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"Congrats @louiseminchin on 20 brilliant years on BBC - @mrdanwalker not that I want to brag but she's traded you in for a new model," teased Ben, who shared a snap of both Louise and himself in a promotional shot of Tipping Point.
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In jest, Dan hit back with: "She's dead to me [laughing face emojis]." To which, Ben replied: "That's Showbiz." Louise, 53, responded to the funny exchange with more laughing emojis.
Following her last show this week, Louise has been inundated with messages. Sharing a series of pictures, the broadcaster remarked: "Wow, I never imagined my last day could be so full of happiness.
Ben posted this tweet after Louise's exit
"Thank you for your messages, I am feeling overwhelmed by your kindness. It has been a joy and a privilege to work on #BBCBreakfast and I will always feel like part of a huge family, thank you."
Louise first presented BBC Breakfast in 2001 and moved with the famous red sofa to Media City as a lead presenter in 2012. Dan then took over from Bill Turnbull as one of the main presenters in February 2016.
Ahead of her final programme, Dan uploaded a sweet tribute which read: "I can't believe it has come about so quickly after 5-and-a-half years sharing a sofa with this wonderful woman… tomorrow is @louiseminchin's last day on #BBCBreakfast I hope you can join us to say 'goodbye'."
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