Ex-BBC’s Simon McCoy given pack of paper as hilarious leaving gift in nod to viral moment as co-stars pay tribute after exit

Simon McCoy received a hilarious leaving gift from some of his coworkers at the BBC, with several of his co-stars paying tribute to him following the announcement that he is leaving the broadcaster for a new position at GB News.

On Thursday, it emerged that Simon, 59, is leaving BBC News for pastures new after almost 18 years on the programme.

Following his departure, the journalist is to join upcoming new channel GB News, presenting an afternoon show on the network, which appears set to rival Sky News and BBC News when it launches this year.

Niall Jackson, a floor manager at the BBC, paid homage to Simon in a tweet, sharing a series of photographs and saying it was ‘so nice’ to work with the newsreader during his final week.

One of the pictures that Niall shared showed a pack of photocopier paper, with a message on it that reads: ‘To Simon #NeverForget from all the floor managers NBH [New Broadcasting House].’

This was of course in reference to one of Simon’s most hilarious moments on BBC News, when he went viral in 2013 for mistaking a pack of A4 printer paper for an iPad while on-air.

‘Hahaha OF COURSE they presented him a pack of A4 as a leaving present!’ one person commented in response on Twitter.

‘They gave @BBCSimonMcCoy a ream of photocopier paper as a leaving present! Wrapped present #priceless,’ another person remarked.

Several of Simon’s former colleagues at the BBC shared messages on Twitter saying how much they’re going to miss him following his exit.

‘Farewell to @BBCSimonMcCoy – it’s his last day at @BBCNews today. Always enjoyed working with him & I think we’ll all miss moments like this,’ wrote Dan Walker, while sharing a famous clip of Simon sardonically announcing the news of a royal baby’s birth date.

Dan also shared the clip of Simon holding the A4 pack of paper while reading the news, writing: ‘Still my favourite @BBCSimonMcCoy moment #WorldsThickestIpad.’

BBC News presenter Huw Edwards posted a photograph of himself and Simon behind-the-scenes at the broadcaster, stating: ‘He was the Real McCoy and we’ll miss him @BBCSimonMcCoy @BBCNews #goodluck.’

Meanwhile, radio presenter Chris Stark didn’t believe it when he first heard that Simon was leaving, tweeting: ‘I’m hearing Twitter rumours @BBCSimonMcCoy is leaving the BBC?!?!? What’s going on? Noooooooooooo. Unless he’s landed some plush sat night game show in which case fair play. What’s going on?’

Deborah Meaden, who stars in BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den, tweeted: ‘Well it’s farewell from our screens to a good man with a wicked humour who will be sadly missed @BBCSimonMcCoy I hope our paths cross again!!’

James Landale, the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, said that Simon ‘will be missed’, adding: ‘Wit & character is often underrated in our at times rather po-faced profession and the legend that is @BBCSimonMcCoy has it by the bucketload.’

Chris Mason, a political correspondent for the BBC, wrote: ‘Really sorry to be saying goodbye to @BBCSimonMcCoy: the master of rolling news, serious when needed, but with bucketloads of personality, humour, warmth &….jeopardy. As a viewer & a correspondent, always a joy. Best wishes Simon.’

Simon joined the BBC in 2004, appearing on BBC Breakfast and BBC News 24 as a cover presenter.

The following year, he took on the morning slot of BBC News with Kate Silverton.

In August 2019, the newsreader made his debut on the BBC News at Ten, before becoming the main presenter on the BBC News at One last year.

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