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."
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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