Really sad to hear Fern is leaving the sofa :(

 

Fern Britton is to step down from presenting ITV’s flagship daytime show This Morning after 10 years in the hotseat. She is planning to pursue new projects and spend more time with her family after the current series comes to an end in July.

 

“After 10 years with This Morning, I have decided to leave the show at the end of the current series. I will present my last show on July 17th, my birthday, which seems somehow appropriate,” Fern said.

 

“The This Morning team are simply the best and I will miss them all very much but I am looking forward to the freedom of exploring other things I want to do, and also spend more time with my wonderful family. So many thank yous to all our viewers who have shown me so much kindness and loyalty.”

 

Alison Sharman, ITV Director of Factual and Daytime, said:

 

“Fern has been a firm viewer favourite for the last decade on This Morning. We would like to thank her for making the show the success it is today and wish her all the very best for her future projects. We will be announcing a new presenter to take Fern’s place alongside Phillip Schofield in due course.”

 

Fiona Keenaghan, ITV Studios’ Controller of Daytime and Lifestyle Features, said:

 

“It has been fantastic to have Fern presenting This Morning and we’d like to thank her for the amazing job she has done. She is one of a kind and the team will miss her when she steps down.”

Schofield reaction-

 

I’m obviously very sad that after 10 triumphant years on This Morning Fern has decided to leave the sofa. I’ve been lucky enough to work with her for 6 of those years and can honestly say that they have been amongst the best of my career.

 

We have cried together over stories and we have laughed ourselves breathless too. From day one we just ‘clicked’ and I’m really proud of what we have achieved together on the show. I wish Fern all the very best, lots of love, and hope she can get a few well deserved lie-in’s.

 

I will look forward to launching the new series in September, with a new partner, who I’m sure will enjoy the uniqueness of This Morning, the wonderful team in the studio and our loyal viewers who are there for us every day.

 

Phillip

 

Fern was the best thing about This Morning so it's a shame she'll be leaving. :(

 

Hopefully they don't make Ruth the full-time replacement.

I agree. :( Watching some of her and Phils funniest moments. Dunking a bit of beef. Classic :D

 

Ruth will no doubt be the first choice.

 

Myleene/Holly also maybe...even Fiona Phillips if shes looking for work :P

Such a shame, the woman is nothing but pure amazingness.

 

Hopefully a decent replacement will be found.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/artic...r-outburst.html

 

Good on Fern.

 

Ridiculous papers are making it out to be a fued between her and Phil.

Clip of above story-

 

ITV 'wants Sykes for This Morning'

 

Friday, March 27 2009, 16:38 GMT

 

By Mayer Nissim

ITV 'wants Sykes for This Morning'

 

Rex Features

 

Melanie Sykes has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Fern Britton on ITV show This Morning.

 

Britton announced her resignation from the programme earlier this week, but rejected reports that her decision was based on a rift with co-host Phillip Schofield.

 

An ITV source told The Sun: "Fern's replacement is in a one-horse race. This Morning is determined to sign Melanie and made a formal approach today."

 

Sykes recently revealed that she had turned down an offer to appear on Strictly Come Dancing because she wanted to avoid reality TV shows during her career.

Good Choice or Bad?

Ehh...that's a bit of a bland choice I think. The good thing about This Morning is the chemistry between Phil and Fern. They're funny. Melanie comes across as one of those 'pretty face' presenters, nice to look at but dull dull dull at actually presenting.

Hmmm, not sure. I like Melanie but like Aaron said, the chemistry just wont be the same.

Great shame. There has always been a real chemistry between her and Philip Scofield. When they both get the giggles, it makes for unmissable TV!