Presenter Joanna Gosling emotional as she leaves BBC News after 23 years
The presenter said she felt 'lucky' to have had her job as she said goodbye
Watch: 'Thank you for having me': BBC reporter chokes up after quitting in controversial circumstances
BBC News’ Joanna Gosling was emotional as she signed off after 23 years, telling viewers: “Thank you for having me.”
The presenter – who is among those taking voluntary redundancy ahead of a merger between the broadcaster's international and domestic news channels – appeared to be tearful as she stepped down on Thursday.
"Now it is just about time for me to say goodbye for the last time," she said, as she started her sign off.
Reflecting on how the job was “personal”, the 52-year-old told viewers: “We come directly into your home to tell you what is happening – good, bad, funny, sad.
Read more: BBC News ditches desks as Huw Edwards unveils studio revamp
"And in doing my work I always consider how you might be responding to the news you are hearing and what you might want to know.
“But your response to me leaving has been completely unexpected and I have been really touched by the wave of warmth and kindness from you, and I want to say thank you for all of your good wishes."
"It really has meant a lot to me," she added.
Mum-of-three Gosling said she had learned a lot from the people she worked with and said she had “never failed to be impressed by the talent, skills and dedication of the people around me”.
“We are a team, but it has felt like family,” she said.
The star said her job hadn’t really felt like a job and that she felt “lucky” to have had it.
Many viewers took to social media to say how sorry they were to see Gosling go.
You may have already heard, but I wanted to confirm, that I have decided to leave the BBC and will go off air on the 26th January. I am very grateful for the kind messages I’ve had from so many of you. I’m proud of my career in news. Now it is time for new beginnings.
— Joanna Gosling (@BBCJoannaG) January 13, 2023
“I must say @BBCJoannaG is a class act,” one tweeted. “It is very sad to see her leave @BBCNews and we will all the poorer for not seeing her on our screens.”
Another posted: “@BBCJoannaG you had a beautiful, calm, magnetic voice that would trap my attention and keep my ears glued to your shows. A brilliant presenter indeed.”
Read more: BBC News sees three presenters quit ahead of channel merger
It was reported that earlier this month that Gosling, David Eades and Tim Willcox had all taken voluntary redundancy amid the plans.
The new BBC news channel will be joined with its world news service to create one 24-hour rolling news channel.
