Ben Shephard leaves GMTV

Ben Shephard has bid farewell to GMTV after 10 years on the sofa, telling viewers: “I’m going to miss all of you, every single one of you.”

Earlier this week it was confirmed he would be moving to Sky Sports to anchor Uefa Champions League matches and to co-present Goals On Sunday.

The 35-year-old West Ham fan is due to make his debut on 15 August.

Asked to give the last word by his GMTV co-host Kate Garraway, Shephard said: “I’ve waited for you to say that for 10 years.”

He said the people who worked behind-the-scenes on the show did “all the hard work” adding: “We’re just the muppets up the front that do as we’re told and get the glory.

“I’m going to miss Kate more than anything in the world – it’s been an absolute pleasure.”

He told viewers: “Thank you so much for inviting me into your houses, into your bedrooms, into your bathrooms, into your kitchens.”

GMTV is to be replaced in September by a new breakfast show, Daybreak, hosted by former One Show presenters Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.