After 18 years of appearing on a BBC news broadcast, a BBC star has stepped down, giving her audience an emotional farewell.
Alex Lovell has hosted the BBC’s regional news series BBC Points West since 2005.
She stated earlier this year that she had taken the ‘big choice’ to leave her role and join ITV West Country in December.
On her final appearance for BBC Points West, the 50-year-old hinted that she was on the verge of crying as she ended a major chapter in her career.
‘It’s time for me to say goodbye – hashtag not crying – this has been my last programme for BBC Points West,’ she said.
‘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.’
As Alex continued to speak to her fans, she was surprised in the studio by David Garmston, who strolled in holding a large arrangement of flowers for her.
Thanking him for the beautiful gesture, Alex said: ‘You’re my telly husband and one of my best friends, I love you.’
David told her: ‘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.’
As Alex signed off her final show, her parting words were: ‘Take care everybody, thank you so much and for the messages as well, I may not be able to respond but thank you.’
The broadcaster announced her departure from BBC Points West on October 30th.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) at the time, she wrote: ‘After 18 years presenting BBC Points West I have taken the huge decision to leave at the end of November.
After 18 years presenting BBC Points West I have taken the huge decision to leave at the end of November.
Thank you to all my amazing colleagues and lovely viewers for all the love, laughs and tears – we’ve shared it all haven’t we.
I am super excited to be joining…— Alex Lovell (@alexlovelltv) October 30, 2023
‘Thank you to all my amazing colleagues and lovely viewers for all the love, laughs and tears – we’ve shared it all haven’t we.
‘I am super excited to be joining @itvwestcountry in December and I will be in the studio with my lovely friend @Sebchoudhury in January.’
Following her farewell episode, some viewers paid respect to her on social media.
‘Big hugs to you amazing Alex. You will be so missed. Good luck in your new role!’ one person said.
‘You will be missed on the Points West team. Best wishes and success with your new job, another wrote.
Alex said that her first day on ITV West Country was on Monday, December 4, before her debut air date in January.
