Louise Minchin is leaving BBC Breakfast after nearly 20 years on the show.
The presenter, 52, said she is stepping down from her role later this year in a teary announcement live on air.
She shared the news on Tuesday’s programme as her co-host Dan Walker admitted he had been keeping it a secret.
“Just going to take a little bit of a deep breath,” Minchin said. “So, everybody, it’s something I just wanted to tell you about.
“It will be this year 20 years since I first presented this programme and since then I have felt part of a huge, enormous BBC Breakfast family which includes everyone who works here everyone on the team, and every one of you who watches the programme.
“I have loved being part of it but I have decided that it is time that I stop setting my alarm for 3.40 in the morning and I am going to be leaving the programme.”
Minchin first appeared on the broadcaster’s flagship morning show in 2001 and moved with its red sofa to Media City in Salford as a lead presenter in 2012.
The presenter reassured fans her departure will not be for a while and thanked viewers for their support.
“I just wanted to thank everybody who is watching for your loyalty and your support over all those years,” she added.
“I have absolutely loved being part of it. I really will miss it but it is now time to stop that alarm in the morning.”
Following the announcement, Walker tweeted: “As with everything she does, Louise announces her departure from the show with dignity and class.
“We will all miss her enormously at BBCBreakfast. She is not only wonderful at her job, she is a great friend. Enjoy your lie-ins Louise Minchin.”
During her time on the show, Minchin has covered global news stories including three general elections, Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, the Manchester bombings and the aftermath of the Bataclan Theatre attacks live from Paris.
Sir David Attenborough and the Duchess of Cambridge are among the famous names she has interviewed on the show as well as Billie Eilish and UK political leaders.
In 2019 she hosted the Wake Up To Menopause campaign after detailing how she suffered hot flushes while hosting live, and took up endurance sport after competing in a BBC Breakfast Christmas cycling challenge.
The TV star, who shares two daughters with husband David, has since competed internationally for the GB triathlon team in her age group.
Actor Stephen Graham, who is currently starring in BBC One prison drama Time, was among guests who told Minchin she would be missed on the show.
Appearing via video call, he said: “Louise, I am devastated you are leaving by the way. Honest to God. You have been a stalwart for the last 20 years.
“It had been lovely waking up with you in the morning and receiving our news from you.
“You are a consummate professional and you are amazing at your job. You are wonderful. You brighten up the day.”
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani said: “Millions of viewers have regularly woken up with Louise for 20 years and welcomed her and BBC Breakfast into their homes. We will miss her brilliant journalism, good humour and boundless energy.
“She has been a tremendous BBC Breakfast colleague on and off screen and will always be a friend to the team.”
