Laura Woods, the host of talkSPORT's Breakfast show for three years, was overcome with emotion as a devoted fan called in to share a heartfelt poem dedicated to her. Today (Wednesday) marks her last day on the show, as the 35-year-old prepares to join TNT Sports in the upcoming season.
Woods has become a hugely popular radio host and her departure is a major blow for the station. Tributes poured in during her final broadcast, with one particularly touching homage from an 82-year-old Manchester United supporter named Ivor.
Rising early on Wednesday morning, Ivor phoned in to deliver his heartfelt message, saying: "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?" Graciously granting him permission, Woods eagerly awaited the heartfelt tribute.
Beginning his poetic ode, Ivor declared: "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."
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He continued: "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."
Finally, Ivor praised other talkSPORT presenters before asserting: "But one presenter shines above the rest - that's Laura Woods, who is simply the best."
Overwhelmed by Ivor's heartfelt words, Woods' co-presenter Ally McCoist expressed his delight, exclaiming: "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 appreciated."
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As tears welled up in her eyes, Woods shielded her face with a piece of paper, wiping away her emotions. Eventually, she managed to respond. "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!"
Woods' departure from talkSPORT was announced a fortnight ago ahead of her move to TNT. On that occasion, she took a moment to express her gratitude to the listeners who had accompanied her throughout her three-year tenure, stating: "You lot, our listeners, have given me so much comfort and guided me through some of my toughest moments, without even realizing it. So I wanted to thank you personally for that. I will miss it dearly. Even the Spurs fans."
She added: "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."
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