Dan Walker leads tributes to Louise Minchin as she leaves BBC Breakfast: ‘Enjoy your lie-ins’

Dan Walker has led tributes to Louise Minchin after she announced she was leaving BBC Breakfast.

Louise revealed she’s stepping down after more than 20 years on the show, with her friend and co-presenter Dan sat on the sofa beside her for the big news.

He said of his co-star on Twitter: ‘As with everything she does… Louise announces her departure from the show with dignity and class.

‘We will all miss her enormously at #BBCBreakfast. She is not only wonderful at her job… she is a great friend. Enjoy your lie-ins.’

Louise announced the news on the show, telling viewers: ‘It will be this year 20 years since I first presented this programme and since then I’ve felt part of a huge enormous BBC Breakfast family which includes everyone who works here, everyone on the team, and every one of you that watches the programme.

‘I’ve loved every part of it. But – there is a but – I’ve decided that it is time that I stop setting my alarm for 3:40, sometimes when I’m feeling really rebellious, 3:46 in the morning, and I’m going to be leaving the programme.’

The 52-year-old added: ‘It’s not gonna be for a while and just before everything else, I wanted to thank everybody who’s watching for your support, your loyalty over all those years.

‘I have absolutely loved being part of it. I will really miss it but it is time now to stop that alarm, early in the morning. And thank you for watching all of those years as well.’

After her announcement, Louise and Dan were joined by actor Stephen Graham, who said he was ‘devastated’ to hear of her departure.

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Speaking over video call, he said: ‘Louise, I’m devastated you’re leaving by the way. Honest to god, you’ve been a stalwart for the past 20 years, it has been lovely waking up with you in the morning and receiving our news from you. It’s been lovely. You’re a consummate professional and you’re amazing at your job. You’re wonderful, you brighten up the day.’

Fans have also shared the love for Louise following the announcement, with one writing on Twitter: ‘Blimey that knocked me for six this morning. We love @louiseminchin and will miss her, she will be a tough act to follow.’

‘The Friendship between @mrdanwalker and @louiseminchin just makes the news more watchable,’ another said. ‘The red sofa is not going to be the same without you lousie. Goodluck for everything.x [sic].’

‘Ah @louiseminchin. End of a very lovely era. Good luck with whatever comes next x,’ one more said.

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.

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