Laura Woods was left in tears after a fan called in to her final show on talkSPORT to deliver a touching poem dedicated to her.
Woods has hosted the station's Breakfast show for three years, but is leaving after Wednesday's programme. The 35-year-old is expected to join TNT Sports from next season and is giving up her current commitments on talkSPORT to do so.
Having been part of her listeners' morning routine for a number of years, Woods' departure will leave a major hole for many. That has led to the presenter being flooded with tributes during her final show.
One of them came in from an 82-year-old Manchester United fan called Ivor, who delivered a touching poem alongside his tribute. He called up early on Wednesday morning to say: "I don't want to waste much of your time Laura on your final day. Just a few words of appreciation and then one verse of rhyme. If that's ok?"
After being given permission by Woods to continue, he began: "We all know you have the face for TV Laura, but you certainly have the voice for radio. So just a few words of thanks for your efforts on talkSPORT these past few years.
"Now, your bubbly personality shines through every early morning that you broadcast. You're never afraid to offer an opinion but always respectful and professional of other opinions.
"And you have a knack of interacting with your co-presenters in a humorous way without detracting from the topic being discussed. So in thanking you for getting each day off to a cheerful and informative start, I sincerely wish you all the best wherever your career takes you in the future.
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"Now the verse: Mr Brazil is good, Ray Parlour not bad. Super Ally is great, Gabby's Jack the Lad. But one presenter shines above the rest - that's Laura Woods, who is simply the best."
Ivor's comments delighed Woods' co-presenter Ally McCoist, who said: "Oh ye go Ivor, on ye go. I'm just about weeping, I'm bubbling myself in this studio. That was fantastic mate. Brilliant Ivor, good on you, that was lovely mate, much appreicated."
Woods meanwhile was left in tears by Ivor's poem, covering her face with a piece of paper before wiping her eyes. She then said: "Ivor, thank you so much - I have to admit, you've broken me early. It's only 6.23(am) and I'm crying already!"
Her departure from talkSPORT was announced two weeks ago ahead of her move to TNT. When that announcement came, Woods delivered a message of thanks to every one who had tuned in over her three-year sting.
“You lot, our listeners, have given me so much comfort and guided me through some of my toughest moments, without even realising it. So I wanted to thank you personally for that. I will miss it dearly. Even the Spurs fans," she said.
“For what feels like a lifetime I’ve been a listener of talkSPORT. For the last six years it’s been my home, where we get to spend our mornings talking about sport. There’s nothing better. I know I will never find a job like this. It’s unique."
