Alex Jones has said she’ll miss Matt Baker after he revealed he’ll be leaving the The One Show next year.
During Wednesday evening’s show, Matt fought back tears as he told viewers he was stepping away from his presenting role on the programme after nine years.
Reacting to the sad news, his co-star Alex – who is currently on maternity leave following the birth of her second child – paid tribute to Matt on Twitter.
Read more: Tearful Matt Baker quits The One Show live on air
She wrote: “I would like to say how much I will miss #MattBaker.
“Thank you for sitting by my side for the last 9 years. You are a superb broadcaster, a consummate professional + a dear friend.
“We’ll remain part of each other lives but the gap left on the green sofa will be hard to fill.”
Fans echoed her comments and expressed their sadness to the news.
One said: “Absolutely gutted, can’t believe it,” while another wrote: “He truly seems like a really lovely man, he’ll be missed.”
I would like to say how much I will miss #MattBaker 😢 Thank you for sitting by my side for the last 9 years. You are a superb broadcaster, a consummate professional + a dear friend. We’ll remain part of each other lives but the gap left on the green sofa will be hard to fill x
— Alex Jones (@MissAlexjones) December 5, 2019
A third tweeted: “I got all teary when I watched #MattBaker’s announcement last night. We’ll miss you Matt but good luck with your future plans.”
As last night’s show drew to a close, Matt told viewers: “I would like to take this opportunity to say that at this time of year I like to stop, reflect and take stock.
We’ll remain part of each other lives but the gap left on the green sofa will be hard to fill.
“The One Show has been a massive part of my life for almost a decade now, and I have loved every second of being a part of it, but I am leaving this green sofa in the spring.
“It’s time to give someone else the opportunity to see how big-hearted and generous you, the viewers, really are.
“It’s something I get to witness every year. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart… now I finally get to put my kids to bed.
Read more: Presenter Alex Jones reveals when she’s returning to The One Show
“Thank you everyone for the most random, wonderful nine years.”
Alex recently revealed she’s returning to The One Show in January.
She said on Instagram: “For those who are asking when I’m coming back to work. I know I said Autumn, but I’m having a lovely time with the boys and wasn’t quite ready yet, so…
“I’ve decided to go back to the @bbctheoneshow in January after the Christmas break.”
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