Popular sports presenter Laura Woods has delivered a classy five-minute farewell message to colleagues and fans live on air.
News broke on Wednesday that Woods would be leaving talkSPORT after three years of leading the 6am-10am breakfast show. She has formed an iconic trio with co-presenters Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor during her time at the station.
Her monologue was delivered on the show and a clip was posted to social media on Wednesday afternoon. She can be seen getting emotional as she looks towards the next chapter in her career. Woods is rumoured to be replacing Jake Humphrey as presenter on 'TNT Sports', a rebrand of BT Sport.
She said: "Okay. So I have some news for our lovely listeners, so here goes. Obviously as you guys know, I've been a listener for what feels like a lifetime. I got the job reviewing the papers for Alan Brazil in 2017. 30 minutes a week, loved it. It was like the most exciting moment of my career. I just adored it.
"Six years now it's been my home - talkSPORT. I get to spend all my mornings here talking about sport with you guys."
Woods began to tear up after saying this, but composed herself to continue her leaving message.
"I have decided that it's time for me to move on. So, two weeks today will be my final show. I just wanted to say to you guys listening, our listeners. Gosh, you've just given me the world of comfort, always. Guiding me through some of my toughest moments, and you probably wouldn't even know that. You've done it without realising.
"I wanted to thank you personally for that, and say that I will miss it dearly, I'll miss you dearly, even the Spurs fans!
"Ally, I wanted to say to you especially. I genuinely feel like I won the lottery, honestly, to be able to get to work so closely with you. When the entire world is talking about one sporting event, whatever that may be, me and you just get to sit in these chairs and talk about it with each other. That has been the privilege of my life.
Woods went on to thank McCoist for what she has learned from watching the Scotsman, and voiced her appreciation for their friendship. Labelling the Rangers legend as "the epitome of super".
The 35-year-old had some kind words for co-presenter and former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who she explained was: "The biggest, warmest, softest, wonderful man".
"Your friendship has been so brilliant for me. Any time I've got the hump or I've got something wrong with me, or I need a shoulder to cry on - you're the one I give a call to. You're always the one that makes me feel better. You're also the nicest smelling man in football!
Woods went on to explain how proud she is of the record listening figures, as well as picking up three awards. These include the coveted ARIAS Best Speech Breakfast Show, as well as the SJA Sports Presenter of the Year on two occasions.
"To all of our bosses, everyone that put me in this position in the first place, I couldn't even believe it at the time, so thank you. Our colleagues, our co-hosts, this incredible team behind the glass who... I'll be forever in your debt. Such a wonderful, talented, enthusiastic bunch of kids! You're like 20 and you're so talented! It's unbelievable.
Woods added that she'd never find a job like the talkSPORT role, labelling it "unique" and an environment where she could be herself. Despite her departure, she says it's the hardest decision of her life.
"For now, no more 3am alarms, which is just wonderful! But one thing is for sure, I wanted to make sure you know that I will always be a part of this family. I will pop back whenever I can, I adore you all.
"Thank you. I'm going to go and have a holiday, a long sleep and I'll make a decision on what is next for me. Again, I can't say it enough, thank you. Thank you everyone for having me, I will really miss you."
You can watch the five-minute farewell message below.
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