A BBC News presenter fought back tears as she bid farewell to viewers after 18 years on screens.
Alex Lovell became emotional as she told viewers it was her last show on BBC Points West on Saturday.
She said: “It’s time for me to say goodbye – hashtag not crying – this has been my last programme for BBC Points West.
“And I wanted to say we have been through a lot over the past 18 years haven’t we? It has been an absolute joy to spend that time with you, even through the hardest times.
“I just wanted to say that those of you that ever come up to as some of you sometimes do and say things like ‘we really feel like we know you’ , that is truly the greatest compliment that I could ever receive and it’s been an absolute privilege.”
She started to thank her colleagues when co-star David Garmston interrupted her with a large bouquet of flowers.
He joked that he had got them from the local service station, as Alex giggled and covered her mouth.
She then told him: “You’re my tele husband and one of my best friends, I love you.”
As she teared up, David got hold of her hand and said: “I just want to thank you, from the BBC, from the viewers and from me for everything you’ve done over the last 18 years.
“It’s been amazing, you’re as lovely off screen as you are on and we’re really going to miss you.”
Touched, Alex thanked him then gave her final words to the viewers, saying: “Take care everybody, thank you so much and for the messages as well, I may not be able to respond but thank you.”
Alex – who is leaving the BBC for a new role at ITV presenting its Westcountry bulletins – shared the sweet clip on X and added: “Au Revoir” with a love heart emoji.
One fan replied: “You have lit up our screens over the years and spoken to the audience as if we are in the room with you. I once bumped into you in Wotton-Under-Edge when you were “off duty” and you were the same, open, friendly, unspoilt person but still had that ‘glow’. Good luck on ITV!”
Another added: “I’ve just cried watching this,you’ll be missed Alex x.”
A third commented: “Wishing you all best for new challenges Alex. You will be missed, more than you can probably imagine!”
