In an emotional address, Vanessa Feltz shared what she describes at "devastating" news. Fighting back the tears and with voice quivering, the ITV This Morning favourite announced that she would be stepping down from her early morning presenting role on BBC Radio 2. Just like Vanessa herself, fans have been left 'in tears'.
The broadcaster made the announcement live on air at 6.23am on Thursday, July 28, later posting a clip of the moment on her Instagram account. Trying not to cry, Vanessa told listeners that she had been honoured to join them in the 'small hours' for the last 12 years.
Beginning her announcement, she said: "I have something to tell you, and I know that you already know that I love you, so I know that you know it's not that." She continued: "Oh I knew I was going to cry but I'm going to try not too... It has been an honour to share the early hours with you..."
READ MORE: Red Arrows to fly over Nottinghamshire today - where and when to see themThe presenter said she had to step down 'to catch up on a much-needed decade's deficit of beauty sleep' and use her 'energy-boosting shut-eye' to 'frolic with her fiancé Ben Ofoedu 'who irritatingly remains 10 years younger than me.'
Following the announcement, fans and fellow celebs were quick to respond to the star's Instagram post which read: "Devastated. Farewell to @bbcradio early breakfast". Carol Vorderman wrote: "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" xxx".
Alan Carr added: "Vanessa!!!! We love you so much", with Dermot O'Leary chipping in: "What a shift. Congrats on a glorious tenure Vanessa. X"
She will present her last Radio 2 Early Breakfast Show on Friday, July 29. Following a two-week break she will cover Jeremy Vine for two further weeks and bid a final farewell to Radio 2 listeners on Friday August 26.
Fellow BBCR2 star Sara Cox was among the first to respond to Vanessa, writing: " 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. We’ll miss you Lady V."
BBC Radio 2 also shared the news on social media, writing: "We have some news… After almost 12 years presenting the Radio 2 Early Breakfast show, Vanessa Feltz has decided to turn off her alarm clock and leave Radio 2 in August." They added: "We’ll miss her lots and wish her all the best in the future."
Fans of Vanessa, who also regularly appears on ITV's This Morning, shared their upset at the news. Manchester Evening News spotted comments including: "Ah no!! Please don't leave radio V you're brilliant!!" Another wrote: "Such a heartfelt amazing speech. Didn’t expect anything less from the lovely @vanessafeltzofficial. Thank you for your wonderful radio show."
Comments continued: "A very touching goodbye speech. I’ll miss your cheery voice in the early mornings!" and "You gave such a beautiful speech - I’ve never cried in the car before." With another saying: "As soon as that first fight back of tears happened, you knew what was coming this show has been part of my life for years…. I wasn’t crying walking the dog this morning! Enjoy your lay-ins & evenings Lady V." Someone else said: "That was very emotional listening to telling everyone. You’ll be missed."
Vanessa began presenting the Radio 2 Early Breakfast Show in January 2011, from 5am-6.30am, which was extended to 4am from January 2021. As well as covering daily news, her shows contained features including Famous Last Words, Jolly Good Fellows, The Feltz Philological Challenge and Early Bird Earworms.
Before taking over the breakfast show, she presented a mid-morning phone-in programme on the station for 10 years, and from 2001 hosted a mid-afternoon phone-in show. In recently released BBC figures, Vanessa was one of just three women in the top 10 highest paid on-air talent, with her salary of £400,000-£404,999 putting her in eighth place. Zoe Ball and Fiona Bruce were the other two female hosts to make the top 10 list.
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