Stunned and upset viewers have admitted to shedding a tear at the news that Louise Minchin is leaving BBC Breakfast.
On Tuesday, Louise, 52, shocked everyone apart from co-host Dan Walker, who was in on the secret, by announcing that she is quitting the morning show after 20 years at the helm.
After admitting she needed to "take a deep breath" before delivering her news, Louise noted her two decades on the sofa and continued: "Since then I've 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've loved being part of it but - there is a but - I've decided that is time that I stop setting my alarm for 3.40 - sometimes if I'm feeling really rebellious 3.46 - in the morning and I'm going to be leaving the programme."
Louise took the opportunity to thank viewers for their ongoing support and many of them were devastated to learn she was leaving, with some even in tears.
Reacting to a tweet from her BBC colleague Dan paying tribute to Louise, one tweeted: "I shed a tear, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t wake up with Louise on a morning and the both of you are a wonderful team! You will be missed"
Sharing a crying emoji, another upset fan reacted: "Absolutely gutted!! Will miss Louise's cheery face in a morning! Good luck with whatever you do next," and, also using a crying emoji to display their upset, a third wrote: "Noooooooo so sad! We all love you in our house Louise but totally understand wanting a lie in!!"
After Louise tweeted about her exit, one fan quickly replied: "I wasn’t expecting your announcement to make me tear up! It’s been a long year. Good luck with whatever you have planned next."
Viewers' upset was echoed by actor Stephen Graham. He was on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday to talk about new drama Time and told Louise: "I'm devastated your leaving."
