Ben Shephard has revealed that he is departing Good Morning Britain after a decade.
The 49-year-old Tipping Point anchor revealed the news following the announcement that he will be joining This Morning with Cat Deeley.
Taking to social media with a picture alongside his GMB co-stars, Ben wrote in his caption: ‘Ten years has flown by at GMB. I’ve loved every minute, (well not those minutes immediately after the alarm goes off at 3.30am ) but all the others have been incredible.
‘As have these amazing women I’ve been lucky enough to sit alongside, work with, laugh with and on the odd occasions drink with!’
He added: ‘I will miss working with them and the whole team – and I’m very grateful that they are just next door so that whenever I get nostalgic I know they aren’t too far away.’
Ben received an outpouring of sympathy and well wishes from his ITV colleagues.
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‘New chapter no one deserves it more my friend ’, wrote Rochelle Humes.
Julia Bradbury commented: ‘You’re not going far ’
Andi Peters joked: ‘You get a lie in! Good work. Ten great years!’
‘Whoa! Big news and well deserved mate. You’ll be great ’, commented Alex Beresford.
Laura Whitmore added: ‘Enjoy the lie in, massive congrats xx’, while This Morning’s Josie Gibson penned: ‘Congratulations Ben we can’t wait to have you!!!! ’
Zoe Ball, Kate Thornton, and Peter Andre all sent their congrats.
Following weeks of speculation, Ben and Cat will formally join This Morning as midday anchors on Friday (February 16).
Ben characterised his new position as a ‘honour’.
‘This really feels like a very special moment for Cat and I to be part of the next chapter of This Morning. It’s an honour to be trusted with the reigns, join Alison and Dermot and all the team that work on and off screen and do such a great job,’ he shared.
He added that he is now looking forward ‘to spending time with Cat, welcoming the viewers home after the school run or from their early morning routines, with a cup of tea and a mix of everything that makes This Morning so loved.’
‘This Morning is a national institution. Whenever it’s on, it’s like having your friends over – funny, smart, silly, heartfelt, informative and joyful – like all the greatest friendships’ added Cat, 47 in the official statement announcing her new job.
‘This Morning is and always will be the viewer’s show. Ben and I both know how much people love it, and with the help of an amazing team of people, we’re going to do our best to take care of it.’
The trio has already received a warm welcome from ITV favourites Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, who greeted the new team members on this week’s final programme.
‘Welcome to your Friday’s This Morning and, Ben and Cat…’, they began before the pair said in unison ‘Welcome to the family!’
Alison added: ‘We’re so, so happy! The news is finally out, it’s finally out.’
Dermot – who started out working with Ben on T4 – said it was ‘lovely’ to have their careers cross paths again.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Source My Celebrity Life.