This Morning host Josie Gibson said “it’s a very sad day” as she bid farewell to her co-star on Friday (February 28).
During today’s edition of the hit ITV morning programme, Josie explained that it was show boss Martin Frizell’s last day in the studio.
“Today is a very special day, and a very sad day for us, because our editor, Martin, it’s his last day,” she said, before revealing that Martin was being put in charge of Friday’s jukebox.
“He’s got quite good taste, our editor,” Alison said as Shania Twain’s 1997 hit ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman!’ was played in the background.
“He has got good taste. Well, he employs us!” Josie then quipped, with Alison noting: “Very true! Good point, babe, good point.”
Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond presented This Morning on Friday (February 28) -Credit:BBC
Martin joined Josie and Alison on the sofa at the end of the show, with the hosts emotionally thanking the editor for “taking a chance” on them.
“Over the last decade, Martin has helped shine a light on topics like men’s mental health, the menopause, and a cause close to his heart, Alzheimer’s,” Alison said.
“We’ve had a lot of fun, too. From spooky Halloween parties, taking over Downton Abbey, Coronation Street and Buckingham Palace, and even buying our very own forest. It’s all thanks to this man,” Josie added.
A tearful Alison then shared: “But he’s also the one who took a chance on us, transforming mine and Josie’s careers and giving us incredible opportunities, and we just want to say thank you very much. On behalf of the team at This Morning, we think you’re incredible and we’re so sad to see you go.”
“It’s been a great ride, it’s been a great time,” Martin concluded, thanking ITV viewers for their continued support.
Alison Hammond was visibly emotional as she said goodbye to Martin Frizell -Credit:ITV
Martin announced that he would be stepping down from the show in November 2024.
The 66-year-old is leaving his role as editor after ten years to spend more time with his wife, Fiona Phillips, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022.
“Next year I’m expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them. I love my team at ITV and will miss them and the thrill of live telly, but it’s an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment, and I won’t be able to do both,” he previously said in a statement.
“It’s been a privilege to lead truly great presenters and producers, between us we’ve turned out more than six thousand hours of live topical telly, that’s around 20,000 items.
Martin Frizell has stepped down as editor of This Morning after ten years -Credit:Getty Images Europe
“Whilst the gongs are always nice, I’m most proud of the change we made to so many lives, even saving a fair few with our campaigns on anti-suicide, menopause, testicular cancer and ‘how-to’ items. This juggernaut is the toughest test for any broadcast journalist.”
From Monday (March 3), Vivek Sharma will take over as editor of This Morning. Vivek is already a known presence on the show, having been associate editor for the last 15 months.
Speaking about his new position, Vivek said: “Having grown up watching the show, it’s an incredible privilege and honour to take on the role of editor of This Morning.
“Over the last 37 years, the show has become a national institution and has been responsible for some of the most memorable moments on television.”
Vivek concluded: “The team on and off camera are world-class and I can’t wait to work alongside them in my new role, as we shape the future of this iconic brand.”
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am
