Vanessa Feltz is bidding farewell to This Morning after a whopping 33 years. The seasoned broadcaster, 63, has been a staple on the ITV morning programme, but is now stepping back due to her new venture with Channel 5. Her new show, aptly named Vanessa, is set to hit screens on 24 March at 12.45pm and is poised to go head-to-head with ITV’s flagship morning show, currently helmed by Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. Speaking to the Daily Star, Vanessa revealed: “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 Feltz is leaving This Morning after 33 years
(Image: ITV)
She went on to express her gratitude for the warm response from the This Morning team, saying they were “so lovely” about her 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”, reports the Mirror. Reflecting on her lengthy show stint, Vanessa acknowledged the wealth of experience she has gained, saying: “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.” As for her upcoming talk show, Vanessa couldn’t contain her excitement, gushing: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited. It feels marvellous.”
Vanessa Feltz is launching her own show on a rival channel
(Image: Getty Images)
Vanessa spoke about her new show earlier this month. She excitedly revealed: “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.” The programme will cover a wide range of topics including celebrities, gossip, fashion, relationships and parenting. “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!”
Vanessa said both Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby have reached out to her amid the news she is leaving This Morning
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Channel 5’s commissioning editor, Federico Ruiz, said: “We are thrilled to have signed Vanessa, an award-winning broadcaster and bona-fide national treasure, to our daytime line-up. Our audience love her, and there is nobody better for viewers to spend their lunchtimes with every single weekday.” ITN’s managing director of content, Ian Rumsey, added: “Vanessa defined the genre with her first talk show and this new slot on Channel 5 is a brilliant and unique opportunity to work with one of the pioneers of talk shows, and take all that talent, energy and experience to create a fresh twist to daytime chat.”
