Not everyone tuning in to BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning (May 17) was impressed as Dan Walker hosted his last show. The presenter has called it quite hosting the BBC One programme after six years.
He announced his decision to leave earlier this early last month as he also revealed that he was heading off to host Channel 5's revamped 5 News as he replaces Sian Williams.
While much of today's BBC Breakfast carried on as normal, there were a few mentions of Dan's impending departure before he was treated to a few surprises and a thoughtful send off towards the end of the programme.
READ MORE: Dan Walker flooded with messages from co-stars as he hosts last BBC Breakfast before move to rival
The screens behind Dan and his fairly new co-host Sally Nugent had been filled with photos of Dan as a child as well as throughout his career. He was shown his BBC Breakfast best bits before being reunited with Louise Minchin who he spent much of his time on the show with.
Dan's exit comes seven months after his former co-host spent her last day hosting the programme, 20 years after first joining. But she couldn't not come back to send Dan on his way and help in giving him a fond farewell. The pair embraced as she made her way from behind the cameras onto the sofa as she said they were going to break a 'rule of a lifetime'.
"You look gorgeous," Dan told her as she dazzled in a yellow co-ord. She then explained: "I say break a habit of a life time as in all the years we sat next to each other we never touched." Louise then added it was a "pleasure" to be there but also "emotional" for her.
"People watching will be very said you're leaving because you've touched the hearts of the nation over the last six years," the 53-year-old told her former co-host. "People have loved watching you. I have loved working with you."
As the pair reminisced, Dan was then surprised with a woman who gate-crashed his broadcast when he appeared live from Rio during the 2016 Olympics. Maria then appeared on the programme via video link from Lisbon with her husband and their little girl.
There was then more messages from Dan's friends and guests who he has taken to his heart as he also spoke about his sadness at leaving, pride for the show, and highlights working on the show. Tuesday's programme then ended with Dan being presented with a cake highlighting one of his most memorable Strictly Come Dancing moment as the crew joined him in front of the camera for his final speech.
But some BBC Breakfast viewers found it a bit much. @Mysteron_Voice tweeted: "He's probably a very lovely bloke, but six years is only the foothills of #BBCBreakfast presenting and isn't worth *quite* this much gushing..."
@DSRichard81 fumed: "There's more! This is disgusting. He is moving for more money not dying. #BBCBreakfast." @C00k13Pu55 wrote: "God this is insufferable..... genuinley a waste of air time and licence fee #bbcbreakfast #bbcnewswatch."
However, not everyone agreed and shared their sadness at waving goodbye to Dan as he heads off to pastures new. @suef1963 Just watched some of your best bits @mrdanwalker on #BBCBreakfast and lovely to see @louiseminchin sitting on the sofa again with you. Good luck on your new adventure you will be missed by us all."
@MissSocaCandy cried: "No not Dan Walker. His witty jokes and good questioning towards crazy MPs always would bright my day before work. Good luck Dan in your new endeavours @mrdanwalker @BBCBreakfast."
@toniearlybird wrote: "Even on his last day, he had so many kind words for others. What a star and good luck to @mrdanwalker #BBCBreakfast." @SallyPrice4 added: "Emotional Farewell to beloved Dan... mornings just won't be the same #BBCBreakfast @mrdanwalker."
