Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls said goodbye for the final time to a ‘much loved’ Good Morning Britain co-star on Wednesday’s episode of the ITV show.

The pair returned to our screens on Christmas Eve to share all the latest news and headlines with viewers.

Chief correspondent Richard Gaisford, 52, joined the two live from Westminster to  talk about The King’s upcoming Christmas speech – which was recorded at Westminster Abbey.

After wrapping up the segment, Charlotte said: ‘Richard, thank you very much for that…

‘I’ve just got to take this moment actually, to say goodbye and thank you to Richard Gaisford, who has been with us here on ITV breakfast for 26 years now.

‘He is a much loved member of our team, he has travelled around the world for Good Morning Britain, he’s been in warzones, he’s been in all sorts of different stories for us over the years.

Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls said goodbye for the final time to a 'much loved' Good Morning Britain co-star on Wednesday's episode of the ITV show
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Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls said goodbye for the final time to a ‘much loved’ Good Morning Britain co-star on Wednesday’s episode of the ITV show

Chief Correspondent Richard Gaisford, 52, joined the two live from Westminster to talk about The King's upcoming Christmas speech - and was later thanked for all his hard work
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Chief Correspondent Richard Gaisford, 52, joined the two live from Westminster to talk about The King’s upcoming Christmas speech – and was later thanked for all his hard work

‘He is an exceptional journalist. He is the best. We wish him all the best. Richard, thank you so much and we wish you all the best.’

Ed added: ‘On behalf of the viewers Richard, thank you for all of that public broadcasting service you’ve given us.

‘Finding truth, objectivity and telling all of us what’s really going on. That extra bit of special bit of analysis that we’ve always got from you.

‘As the newbie on the block here, I’ve learnt a lot from you over the last few years. Thank you very very much.’

An emotional Richard said: ‘Thank you both. It’s been a privilege. I have had the best job in television news.

‘I’ve 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’m out there looking for some new adventures.’

An emotional Richard said: 'Thank you both. It's been a privilege. I have had the best job in television news. I've worked with the most incredible people'
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An emotional Richard said: ‘Thank you both. It’s been a privilege. I have had the best job in television news. I’ve worked with the most incredible people’

‘Richard, thank you very much, you enjoy those new adventures. We will see you again soon,’ Charlotte added.

Shortly after, he took to his X account to share a goodbye message with viewers.

Richard said: ‘Well that is it. The last ever Good Morning Britain broadcast after nearly 26 years. It has been the best job in TV news. It’s been an immense privilege to be doing it.

‘I am going to miss it incredibly.’

He captioned the post: ‘That’s it. Era ended @GMB.’

Fans rushed to reply to the post with some touching words.

‘Wishing you the very best for your next chapter. Have a wonderful Christmas. Xx.’

‘Congratulations Richard, what an incredible run. All the best for the future.’

Richard shared a post on his X account shortly after his last ever segment on Good Morning Britian - and fans wished him good luck

Richard shared a post on his X account shortly after his last ever segment on Good Morning Britian – and fans wished him good luck

‘You will be missed. Thank you for getting chilly every morning, to bring us the latest. Enjoy a lie in.’

‘All the best for the future Richard. You will be missed but look forward to seeing you back on screen in future.’

Richard announced his exit from the ITV show marking the ‘end of an era’ after 25 years on screens back in October.

He has been part of the channel’s breakfast programmes since he joined in 2000.

Between 2000 and 2010 he was the chief correspondent and relief news presenter for GMTV, as well as chief correspondent for Daybreak between 2010 and 2014.

He joined Good Morning Britain in 2014 when GMTV had a rebrand, and again, was chief correspondent and stand-in newsreader Monday to Friday.

Richard said of his departure: ‘I have been privileged to have the best job in TV news for the last quarter of a century, trusted to take a front row seat at history making events all over the world.

‘I have worked with an incredible team of journalists and camera operators, broadcasting to a highly responsive breakfast audience.

Richard announced his exit from the ITV show marking the 'end of an era' after 25 years on screens
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Richard announced his exit from the ITV show marking the ‘end of an era’ after 25 years on screens

‘I’m really excited about moving on to new opportunities in a fast-changing media world, starting another chapter in my career.’

Andrew Dagnell, ITV’s director of news and current affairs, said of Richard’s departure: ‘Richard is one of the most accomplished and respected journalists in British broadcasting.

‘His work has helped define what audiences expect from breakfast news – authoritative, human and trusted.

‘Few reporters have covered such a breadth of stories with the same composure and clarity that Richard brings to every assignment.

‘He leaves with the gratitude and admiration of colleagues across ITV News, and I look forward to working with Richard on some exciting current affairs in the future.’

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and is available to stream o