Regular listeners of Vanessa Feltz' Radio 2 show have been left devastated today with the shock news she is set to leave the station.
The star has quit her early morning breakfast show after 12 years and almost two decades on the air for the BBC.
An emotional Vanessa left fans in tears as she announced she will be moving on very soon 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.'
She will also step down from her regular presenting gig on the breakfast show at BBC Radio London, as writes Manchester Evening News.
Feltz has presented shows on BBC Radio London since 2001 and Radio 2 since 2011.
"I have something to tell you, and I know you already know that I love you," Vanessa said on her show on Thursday morning (July 28). Starting to tear up, she said: "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," before continuing on with a heartfelt message to her listeners.
She shared a video of the moment she announced she was leaving on Instagram which she captioned: "Devastated. Farewell to @bbcradio early breakfast." 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."
Alan Carr replied: " Vanessa!!!! We love you so much." Carol Vorderman penned: "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.'"
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."
And fans of Vanessa, who also regularly appears on This Morning, shared their upset at the news. @mrs_d64 said: "Ah no!! Please don't leave radio V you're brilliant!!" @traceyshu64 wrote: "Such a heartfelt amazing speech. Didn’t expect anything less from the lovely @vanessafeltzofficial. Thank you for your wonderful radio show."
@alisteaggs commented: "A very touching goodbye speech. I’ll miss your cheery voice in the early mornings!" @clairehuess shared: "You gave such a beautiful speech - I’ve never cried in the car before." @dydy47 replied: "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." @deebeegee9 added: "That was very emotional listening to telling everyone. You’ll be missed."
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