Vanessa Feltz’s overcome by emotional family tributes on last ever BBC Radio 2 show
Vanessa Feltz has bid farewell to BBC Radio 2 listeners for good as she presented her last ever show, finishing a two-week stint covering for Jeremy Vine
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Vanessa Feltz bids farewell to BBC Radio 2 in July
Vanessa Feltz has bid a final farewell to BBC radio listeners as she joins TalkTV.
She had been on BBC Radio London for almost 20 years and also presented the early-morning BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.
The 60-year-old hosted her final breakfast show last month but has since been back to help cover Jeremy Vine’s slot.
But this afternoon it was goodbye for good as she left the radio waves for a move into TV.
Just before 2pm when the show wrapped up, they played Vanessa’s best bits with tributes from her family.
Fiancé Ben Ofoedu said: “I can honestly say that Vanessa Feltz, my Feltzy, is my better half. You’ve risen to be a broadcasting legend with so much empathy and love and a real care for the listener.
She waved outside the BBC radio studios today
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( PA)
Vanessa can enjoy some free time with fiancé Ben Ofoedu
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( Getty Images)
“I’m sure that the listeners are going to miss you, I get to spend a lot more time with you, but it’s pretty sad I’m taking you away from your lovely listeners. God bless you and I hope you’re having a great last show.”
Son-in-law Mark followed Ben’s message, saying he was a “regular listener” of Vanessa’s shows.
“Wishing you all the best for the future – lots of love,” he said.
Daughter Saskia Kurer also said a few words., saying: “My dear mummy I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve done at the BBC and I wish you the best of luck for the future. You are awesome.”
Vanessa’s grand children then began speaking, tell her what they would like to do together now she has a bit more free time.
One wanted a “safari trip” and the other wanted to go “on a safari trip”.
She left the BBC today for TalkTV
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( PA)
“Oh goodness gracious me,” said an emotional Vanessa after hearing her family’s messages.
She said: “Thank you very much indeed for that delightful tribute, thank you so much to the Jeremy Vine team who have always looked after me.
“Thanks to you lovely listeners for making my sudden at Radio 2 such great fun, I’ve loved it. It’s been a huge privilege.”
She then joked that it wasn’t her “actual funeral”, adding: “I’m going to TalkTV so if you fancy listening to me there it’s on DAB plus.”
TalkTV has confirmed that Vanessa will be joining their team after her BBC departure.
The presenter has already made a few appearances on the show as a guest, and now she will permanently host the drivetime slot from 4 to 7pm Monday to Friday.
She is joining TalkTV on September 5
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( TalkTV)
She will make her debut on the programme on September 5, giving her a few more weeks of rest and relaxation before the next big challenge in her life.
Vanessa previously said in a statement: “The allure of a retirement reclining on a chaise longue while the fragrant Ben peeled me a grape was fleeting.
“While there are politicians to be tackled, fat cats to be flattened, scams to expose and Lovely Listeners to champion, it’s my mission to breathe fire into the microphone.
“After an elegant sojourn at the BBC I am effervescent with joy at the invitation to unleash my hitherto hidden side on Talk TV.”
She will make her debut on the programme on September 5, giving her a few more weeks of rest and relaxation before the next big challenge in her life.
She still has some time to relax before joining TalkTV
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( Getty Images)
It was her last shift at Wogan House in London
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( PA)
Vanessa continued: “I will relish full-throttled debate and the chance to have a personal passionate point of view at last. Even better, I’ll be at the reins of Drivetime. Lord what luxury!
“After years of 3.30am starts I’ll have a show without an alarm clock involved.
“If I terrified Mayor Sadiq Khan so acutely he never dared set foot in my studio on almost no sleep, tune in to see what I can achieve on a full eight hours shut-eye.
“I’ll be on ‘The Talk’ at 9pm two-three nights a week too. Times have never been tougher and neither have I.
“See you there 4pm from Monday September 5th and have a good lunch first. You’re going to need the calories!!”
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