Well, today was the end of a breakfast era as legendary GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips appeared on our early morning screens for the last time, causing me to spend about three hours trying not to cry as farewell messages were read and special guests said goodbye to her.

Fiona first appeared on GMTV in 1993 and in that time, we’ve seen Fiona get married to Martin Frizell, have two children and share life’s highs and lows with us viewers.

Read more & comment »

Fiona Phillips has revealed that her decision to quit the GMTV sofa was partly due to a fear of developing dementia at an early age.

Phillips told the Sunday Times: “He keeps forgetting words and it’s so sad because he was such an active, intelligent man with an opinion on everything.

“I’m 47 and my mum was in her late fifties when she developed Alzheimer’s, so I am very aware that I may have only ten years left of life as I know it. Read more & comment »

Fiona Phillips is quitting ITV breakfast show GMTV after 15 years of service.

Philips revealed how hard the break would be for her saying it was:

“the hardest decision I have ever made”, adding: “I love the job.”

“I’ve got other responsibilities. The children, a home life and an elderly dad who needs me - and I’ve recognised that I can’t have it all,” she said.

GMTV’s director of programming Peter McHugh said she would be “sorely missed”.

He added: “But after all those years of getting up at 4am we can understand why she wants a change.

“Her honesty and openness have helped make GMTV the success it is. She is a tough act to follow.

“But she’s not going until Christmas which gives us plenty of opportunity to organise lots of leaving dos.”

However it won’t be the last time that we’ll see Fiona on the box. Her agent assured:

“Fiona is leaving GMTV but she is not leaving television,”