[JOSHUAH!]

Fiona Phillips bade farewell to GMTV viewers today after nearly 16 years as she left the top job on the sofa.

The 47-year-old briefly became emotional when discussing the well wishes she had received from viewers.

'It's been so special sharing my moments with you,' she said tearfully. 'I will not forget your kindness, thank you'

But the presenter quickly regained her composure.

Today's show included a montage of highlights from her career spanning more than 15 years on GMTV.

She was initially based in the United States as GMTV's LA correspondent reporting on everything from the earthquakes to the OJ Simpson trial, before landing the anchor job in 1996.

Philips said: 'The moments I've shared with you, people at home, when I had my first baby I was inundated with cards and letters and I just feel that I've been very privileged to be in your living rooms and kitchens and bedrooms, wherever you've been watching us.'

The clearly emotional host said she had been touched by scores of messages sent in
by viewers, particularly those who said she had been 'like a friend to them'.

She said: 'I feel very self indulgent but I can't help it.'

Various celebrities and public figures recorded messages for the programme, including the Prime Minister, Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard and her long-time crush Donny Osmond.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...GMTV-sofa.html

Did anyone else see it today, I actually thought it was sad, Fiona seems really nice and it was sad seeing her crying as she thanked us all for watching her over the past few years. Shes very down to earth, I'll miss seeing her on a morning

[MarkWaldorf]

I saw it this morning. I didn't know she worked in the USA for a while!

[Matt08]

Originally posted by Markus
I saw it this morning. I didn't know she worked in the USA for a while!

Yeah, I think she replaced Anthea Turner on the sofa because she didn't get on with Eamonn Holmes

[Callum]

Aw! I will really miss Fiona, won't be the same not seeing her just on mornings.

[Sarah.]

Woooo finally. She was annoying.

[officialleafan]

I'll miss Fiona too

I really liked her.

[Tom]

I was always split. Some days I couldn't stand her, other days I liked her. I could never decide

[Lauren]

Thank God. She annoyed me with her fake following of Chelsea FC.

[WoopieGeorge]

IM GONA MISS HER :'(

[Tom4784]

I liked Fiona, It's not gonna be the same seeing the new girl with Ben on a morning!

[Matt08]

Originally posted by Dezzy
I liked Fiona, It's not going to be the same seeing the new girl with Ben on a morning!

Ben is going to be presenting with Kate Garraway. The other bloke is presenting with the new one.

[Tom4784]

Originally posted by Matt08

Ben is going to be presenting with Kate Garraway. The other bloke is presenting with the new one.

Oh good, I like Kate.

[TheMac]

Originally posted by mrs_rko
Woooo finally. She was annoying.

[rainbow2029]

why is she leaving
p.s someone relply

[Chri$]

Awwwwwwww Its so sad she left.

Fiona is much better than Kate.