Long-serving Good Morning Britain journalist Richard Gaisford has delivered an emotional on-air farewell during his final scheduled appearance on the ITV breakfast show, marking the end of a remarkable 25-year tenure with the broadcaster.
An Emotional Final Broadcast
The 53-year-old broadcaster, who announced his departure in October, presented his last segment on the programme on 24th December 2025. Ahead of the live broadcast, Gaisford hinted at the significance of the day on Instagram, sharing a clip of an old-fashioned movie countdown with the caption: "Counting down to my final @gmb broadcast. My last ever scheduled programme is tomorrow, after nearly 26 years. See you in the morning!"
Speaking live from outside Westminster, Gaisford was honoured by his colleagues in the studio. Co-presenter Charlotte Hawkins led the tributes, stating: "I want to take this moment to say goodbye and thank you to Richard G who has been with us here on ITV Breakfast for 26 years now. He is a much loved member of our team... He is an exceptional journalist, he is the best, we wish him all the best."
Colleagues and Viewers Pay Tribute
Fellow presenter Ed Balls added his praise, saying: "On behalf of the viewers, thank you for all of that public broadcasting service you have given, finding truth and objectivity and telling all of us what is really going on... As a newbie on the block I have learned a lot from you over the last few years."
In his heartfelt goodbye, Gaisford reflected on his career: "It's been a privilege. I have had the best job in television, and worked with the most incredible people. I will miss all of you immensely and wish you the best of luck with what happens next year. I am out there looking for some new adventures."
His career with ITV began as a Chief Correspondent on GMTV, before he seamlessly transitioned to Good Morning Britain when the show launched in 2014. Over more than two decades, he reported from across the globe, including from war zones, covering a vast array of major stories.
A Flood of Fan Reactions on Social Media
Following his final appearance, viewers swiftly took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their own messages of thanks and good luck. One fan wrote: "Congratulations Richard, broadcasting legend, whatever adventure is next, well done!"
Another long-time viewer commented: "Ah Richard, as a viewer you've been in my mornings for as long as I can remember. Normally out somewhere cold and dark tbf. I will miss you, as I'm sure many of us will, but wishing you every success in your new adventures." A third simply stated: "Good luck, Richard. Thank you for being part of my morning for the last 9 years."
The departure marks a significant change for the ITV breakfast television landscape, as one of its most familiar and respected reporting voices signs off to pursue new challenges, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service journalism.
