Vanessa Feltz has announced her departure from This Morning after 33 years. The 63 year old presenter has been a mainstay on the ITV daytime show, often appearing alongside former hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby over the years.
She will now be focusing on her new Channel 5 show, Vanessa, set to debut on March 24. The former Celebrity Big Brother star had previously hosted her own talk show, also named Vanessa, which aired on ITV from 1994 to 1998, before she presented The Vanessa Show on BBC One.
Speaking to the Daily Star, the relationship expert said: "I've been on This Morning since 1992. It's been a long time. But I'm now doing my own show and I can't do both." Vanessa commended the presenters and crew of This Morning for their understanding regarding her tough decision
She continued: "When I told everyone I wouldn't be able to do the show anymore, they were lovely about it. I heard from Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby immediately and the bosses were charming. I'll miss working with them all."
The seasoned broadcaster, who also left her TalkTV show nearly a year ago, has gained a wealth of experience during her three-decade tenure on the popular show. Recently, Vanessa was praised as "brave" for undergoing a mammogram live on This Morning, reports the Express.
Vanessa shared: "I have learned lots of stuff on This Morning. When I first did it, I had never been on TV before. I didn't know what was going on. I was bamboozled but they gave me a contract". The former Celebs Go Dating star expressed her excitement about her new talk show.
She enthused: "This is a fantastic opportunity and I couldn't be more excited. It feels marvellous." Vanessa announced her new show earlier this month with an online statement. It read: "I cannot wait to get started on this sparkling adventure with Channel 5.
"This show is all about YOU - your stories, your opinions, your emotions, and your triumphs. Television's never been so real, honest, or unpredictable. Life isn't perfect, so let's not pretend it is - let's help each other out, have a giggle, and make every show a conversation worth having so kick off your shoes and come and join me for lunch, relax with a bit of me time and let's have a ball!".
The programme will cover a broad spectrum of topics including celebrities, gossip, fashion, relationships, and parenting. Express.co.uk has contacted Vanessa's representatives for a comment.
