BBC presenter Joanna Gosling appeared to be holding back tears as she signed off from the broadcaster after 23 years. She is among those who have taken voluntary redundancy amid plans for the BBC to merge its international and domestic news channels.
She confirmed that she'd be stepping down from her role earlier this month amid reports that many senior BBC journalists were being asked to attend screen test-style auditions to keep their jobs. Announcing her exit on Twitter she wrote: "You may have already heard, but I wanted to confirm, that I have decided to leave the BBC and will go off air on the 26th January.
"I am very grateful for the kind messages I’ve had from so many of you. I’m proud of my career in news." She did not say what she would be doing next, but added: "Now it is time for new beginnings."
During her final stint on the programme on Thursday (January 26) the journalist ended the show with an emotional farewell to viewers and colleagues. "Now it is just about time for me to say goodbye for the last time," she began.
"I am signing off after 23 years at BBC News, and before I go there are just a few things I wanted to say. I know this job is personal. We come directly into your home to tell you what is happening – good, bad, funny, sad. And in doing my work I always consider how you might be responding to the news you are hearing and what you might want to know."
Sharing how thankful she was for the messages of support she had received, the 52-year-old went on: "But your response to me leaving has been completely unexpected and I have been really touched by the wave of warmth and kindness from you, and I want to say thank you for all of your good wishes. It really has meant a lot to me.
"I also want to say thank you to all of the people that shared their stories with me and you over my 30 years as a journalist. Many of them have had an impact on me and have shaped the way I see things, and I hope it’s been the same for you. It’s why I came into journalism – to give a voice, lend an ear, and shine a light."
Turning her attention to her colleagues, she added: "And finally my colleagues past and present. I have learned from you, I’ve loved working with you, and I valued your support since I started out at 22. I’ve never failed to be impressed by the talent, skills and dedication of the people around me. We’re a team, but it’s felt like family."
Joanna began to sound choked up as she ended her message by saying: "Lucky me to have had this great job that has never felt like a job. Thank you for having me," before applause erupted in the BBC studio.
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