After almost six years of 3am starts, Dan Walker has presented his last show from BBC Breakfast's red sofa. His co-presenter Sally Nugent announced that they were throwing away their scripts for the last 20 minutes of the show as they played his "Breakfast best bits".
Sally told viewers that he never gets nervous, but he was on Tuesday morning as he was warned of a "few surprises". His departure came eight months after his former co-host Louise Minchin left the show., and she returned to say good-bye.
Dressed in yellow, she said: "It is very emotional to be here. You have touched the hearts of the nation for the past six years. I remember our first time meeting when I was sent to interview you and then I was working with you.
"We had such fun times. You know that Dan is never going to let you down, and he is always there to support you. You really give people confidence, and that is a huge gift."
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Dan admitted: "I am sad because of the people I work with. I love doing this job and it is amazing to me that millions of people tune in every day. We know it is important and that is why we put our all into what we do every day.
"It has been a real privilege to sit here and present this programme. It was always my dream to do a job like this so I am feeling sadness, but I am also excited as I love a new challenge."
He finished: "Thank you for having me and see you soon." The 6ft 7ins presenter announced earlier this month that he was leaving to join Channel 5 as lead anchor on 5 News. Channel 5 said his new remit will see him presenting recently relaunched flagship news bulletin 5 News, as well as "fronting a range of new programming on the channel".
The broadcaster took part in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing, revealing he signed up for the show to do something "fun" and have a "giggle" after reporting on difficult news stories during the pandemic. And his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova surprised him on the show saying he was the "best student" and she loved "teaching him".
BBC Breakfast sport presenter Mike Bushell was also among the people sending Dan Walker farewell messages as he presented his last morning programme.
Bushell tweeted: "Breakfast legend @mrdanwalker will always be. One of loveliest h sapiens on the tele box and genuine wonderful friend and bloke off it. Always makes a very difficult job seem so easy. Could present anything, unlike Lynn (in AP) even a cat. Have a great last show @BBCBreakfast."
Sally Nugent said: "Thanks for looking after me. You made me laugh far too much." And weather presenter Carol Kirkwood had a poem for him while Welsh presenter Gethin Jones shared footage of Dan on Strictly dancing to Rock Lobster. The Morning Live presenter told him: "Thank you for all the laughs" and said he had been a "joy" to work with.
Earlier, Dan explained he had only managed "two hours and 46 minutes" sleep before hosting the final show. As the 45-year-old took his "final stroll" into the BBC studio in the early hours of Tuesday morning, he uploaded a video to his social media accounts saying he did not have the "best prep for the final day". Read why here.
In a previous post from the night before, Walker said he was stuck on the M4 charging his electric vehicle and joked he may not make it to the studio in time. Dan said he has no idea who is going to replace him on the sofa, but it has been reported that news reporter John Kay will be the replacement.
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