Ben Shephard has bid an emotional farewell to Good Morning Britain after hosting the show for the last time on Friday (February 23).
The popular presenter recently confirmed his departure from the early morning ITV show as he's set to begin a new role hosting This Morning alongside Cat Deeley.
Shephard was overcome with emotions as he presented GMB for the final time and his co-host Kate Garraway shared some special tributes to mark his last day.
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"Some people couldn't be here and did want to have the chance to say goodbye," Garraway explained, before sharing video messages from Shephard's supporters.
As well as getting heartwarming messages from his GMB colleagues, Shephard received well wishes from stars from his favourite football team – West Ham.
"Ben, your last day, mate," West Ham legend Mark Noble said. "You was there on my last day ever as a West Ham player, so it's only right I send you a message.
"You was there for me, actually, the last ever day at the Boleyn and my last ever game at the London Stadium.
"So, have a great day mate. Probably you'll be crying instead of me this time. Love ya and thanks for your support."
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Stunned by the special message, Shephard appeared tearful as he explained his connection to the footballer.
"That's Mark Noble. That's Mr West Ham," he said, holding back tears as Garraway gave him a supportive pat on the shoulder. "I was with Mark the day we played Manchester City. It was his last game and he was incredibly emotional in that stadium."
"Thank you very much to Mark, that's amazing," he added.
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Shephard also received a sweet West Ham-themed message from his GMB co-star Susanna Reid.
Taking to X (Twitter), Reid shared a throwback photo and fond memory of her time with the presenter.
"BYE BEN! We've all got the blues this morning saying goodbye to the best in the business," she wrote.
"This is us 10 years ago just before the launch of GMB – of course he took me to Upton Park to bond over football! We're going to miss you – good luck through the wall @thismorning."
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Closing the show, Shephard made an emotional speech while surrounded by his co-stars.
"I wouldn't be able to do this if you lot weren't amazing and hadn't been such fabulous friends and brilliant colleagues," he said. "The team behind the cameras and everybody, thank you to them.
"And thank you to the viewers as well for trusting me to wake you up in the morning with this amazing team.
"Thank you, thank you for making this so special."
Good Morning Britain and This Morning both air on weekday mornings on ITV.
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News Editor, Digital Spy
Emma is an experienced entertainment news journalist with NCTJ accreditation and a First-Class Honours Degree in Journalism. Having started her career as a broadcast journalist, Emma’s voice has been heard on varying radio stations across the UK including Absolute, Magic, BBC Three Counties Radio, LBC London News and more.
Later specialising in multimedia entertainment news, Emma has brushed shoulders with numerous famous faces and interviewed the likes of Edward Norton, Margot Robbie, Sir Michael Palin, Rick Astley, and too many soap stars to count. Having produced a range of engaging news content over the years for brands such as 7Digital’s Entertainment News, Yahoo, and Express Online, Emma eventually joined Digital Spy in 2022 as Deputy News Editor, becoming Acting News Editor in 2023 and then News Editor in 2024.
While she’s gained lots of praise during celebrity interviews throughout her career, the most memorable compliment Emma’s ever received was when a Game of Thrones star remarked "Your teeth are stunning!". LinkedIn
