It was an emotional moment on This Morning as presenter Alison Hammond broke down in tears 

while bidding farewell to the show’s longtime editor, Martin Frizell. 

After years at the helm of the ITV daytime program, Frizell has stepped down, marking the end of an era for the beloved show and its team.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

On his final day as This Morning editor, Frizell was invited on-screen by Alison Hammond and her co-host Josie Gibson for an emotional farewell. 

The two presenters credited him with shaping their careers, expressing their deep gratitude for the opportunities he had given them.

Hammond, who has become a household name since joining the show as a regular presenter in 2020, struggled to hold back tears as she acknowledged Frizell’s role in her success. She described his departure as “the end of an era” and thanked him for his unwavering support.

Turning to Frizell, she said, “You’re the one who took a chance on us, transforming mine and Josie’s careers and giving us incredible opportunities. We just want to say thank you so very much. On behalf of the team at This Morning, we think you’re incredible and we’re so sad to see you go.”

Gibson echoed the sentiment, adding, “I just want to say, Martin, thank you so much because you believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. You helped me grow as a presenter, and I just can’t thank you enough.”

Despite the emotional send-off, Frizell reassured them with a simple but powerful response: “If you were both rubbish, you wouldn’t be on telly, okay? So you’re very good. It’s been a great ride and a fantastic time.”

Martin Frizell’s Departure After a Decade at ITV

Frizell had previously announced his decision to step down in November, citing personal reasons. His wife, journalist Fiona Phillips, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, and Frizell shared that his “family priorities” had shifted.

During his time as editor, This Morning became one of ITV’s most-watched daytime shows. Under his leadership, the program tackled important topics such as men’s mental health, menopause awareness, and Alzheimer’s research—causes that were particularly close to his heart.

Gibson reflected on some of the lighter moments he helped create, recalling, “We’ve had a lot of fun, too. From spooky Halloween parties to taking over Downton Abbey, Coronation Street, and Buckingham Palace, and even buying our very own forest—it’s all thanks to this man.”

A Tumultuous Few Years for This Morning

Frizell’s departure follows a challenging period for This Morning, which has faced intense scrutiny in recent years. The show became embroiled in controversy after the exit of longtime presenter Phillip Schofield, who left ITV following revelations about an inappropriate relationship with a younger colleague. Holly Willoughby, another key figure in the program, also stepped away from the show after an alleged kidnapping plot against her was uncovered.

Despite the turbulence, Frizell remained committed to steering the show through difficult times, ensuring that This Morning continued to be a staple of British television.

Alison Hammond’s Rise to Stardom

Hammond’s emotional farewell to Frizell was a testament to the impact he had on her career. She first gained public attention as a contestant on Big Brother in 2002 before transitioning into a career in television presenting.

Since becoming a permanent fixture on This Morning, she has won over audiences with her warmth and humor. Her success on the show has led to other major hosting roles, including co-presenting The Great British Bake Off and fronting For The Love of Dogs, a show previously led by the late Paul O’Grady.

What’s Next for This Morning?

With Frizell’s departure, ITV is expected to make changes behind the scenes. Speculation has been rife that This Morning could undergo a major revamp, though ITV has not confirmed any details about his replacement.

For now, the focus remains on celebrating the contributions of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the show’s success. As Hammond, Gibson, and the rest of the This Morning team adjust to this new chapter, one thing is certain—Martin Frizell’s legacy will not be forgotten.

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