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Fern Britton exits This Morning with celebrity party
By Georgina Littlejohn, London Lite Last updated at 11:57am on 17.07.09Fern Britton signed off from This Morning today, after ten years presenting the show, with an end-of-term party packed with celebrities and Pimm's cocktails.
Britton, who turns 52 today, wore a sparkly party jacket and brought in her camera to capture memories of her last time on the sofa of the ITV daytime show with co-host Phillip Schofield.
Emotional: Fern was serenaded by John Barrowman
She joined Torchwood star John Barrowman on stage for a dance and a singalong as he serenaded her with Frankie Valli's hit Can't Take My Eyes Off You.
Schofield paid tribute to Britton, saying that she had in the past ten years tackled such diverse topics as sex toys and muffin-making.
Studio guests included Footballers' Wives actress Zöe Lucker, singer Michael Ball, TV host Matthew Kelly and the “family” of this morning experts, including agony aunt Denise Robertson.
Tribute: John Leslie played piano and sang My Way
Other guests included an army officer who chaperoned Britton on a visit to Basra, and The Duchess of York wrote a message of support.
A modest Britton, who announced in March she was leaving This Morning to spend more time with her family, said: “I did ask for no fuss.”
Britton was tears when disgraced former co-host John Leslie played the piano as he sang her a version of My Way via video message.
New girl: Holly Willoughby will join Phillip Schofield on the sofa
He sang: “Charm wit and beauty she's got the lot.
“We had a ball, it's the nation's call. Britain loves Fern's way.”
Leslie signed off: “Cheers my love. All the best.”
It was Leslie's first appearance on the show since he left in 2002 amid sex and drugs allegations.
In a video message, comedian Ricky Gervais said: “I've had so much fun over the years being a guest on your show and watching you at home introducing such fantastic features as “How much does your brain weigh?”
In other video messages, comic Johnny Vegas joked she was a “bit over-flirty” in interviews while actor Danny Dyer said he was “madly in love” with her.
Britton is to be replaced by 28-year-old Holly Willoughby when the show returns after the summer break.
Reader views (19)
Very sorry to see you have left This Morning Fern, I have only just discovered looking on the internet as to where you were that you left in July. You always cheered me up as been feeling very low but seeing you and Philip laugh always bought a smile to my face. I really admire you and hope it will not be too long before we see you again!
Holly is very nice but will never have you charisma.
Take care xxx
- Suzanne, Guildford, Surrey Uk
we love you fern,i grew up watching you on telly now my children .hope we will still see you on telly
- Kay Dwelly, lymington
Good Luck Fern! Incidently Ruth and Eamon make a great team and so will Phillip and Holly.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon
Hi Fern,
I knew you were leaving GMTV but only realized this morning that it was today - just before I left for work. I then made sure I recorded your last day 
I only ever got to see you when i was off sick but when i was at home I made sure I was in front of the TV in the morning watching you and Phillip. You have made me laugh so much watching you when I am sick that it cheered me up and made me feel better! I wish you all the best in whatever you do and I wish you happiness with your family and friends. Enjoy and thank you for many laughs xx
- Karen, rickmansworth/herts/ireland!
It all read really well ... till the bit at the end which mentionned Holly Golightly was taking over. Don't think I'll bother retuning my satellite dish after all.
- Marianne, SW France/London
Good luck [don't think you will need it though] you will be missed on This Morning.
- Jackie, malaga spain
Fern, you had me glued to the t.v this morning. You were a star to watch and at times I got upset. I am really sad you have gone, the show will not be the same and I will no longer watch it as your larger than life personality will not be there and it will be like something is missing. Good luck Holly wishing you all the best on This Morning. It is an end of an era. You are a Legend Fern, I solute you.
Hugs and Kisses
xxxx
- Nadine Mackay, Scotland
You will be truly missed Fern by my daughter who is 24 and said This Morning won't be the same without you, and by me aged 57. Just shows you how you appeal to all ages. You are so natural in front of the camera. Just love your professionalism and sense of humour. The very best of luck for the future.
XXXXX
xxxxxxx
- Jean, france
Sucu a Classy Bird with Classy style Wonderful Role Model for Women!
Felt like she was one of my friends!
Good Luck Fern hope to see you lots more on TV!
- Sylvia Higginson, Manchester UK
best of luck fern u will be missed.xxx
- Jenny, norfolk
fern i will miss you i always felt better when you were on in the morning hope we see you on something else soon have a good time now hope you career takes off better now lets hope holly won,t get burn out becauseshe will be on so much on tv now.
- Jeannette, cumbernauld
hi fern iam sad to see you go but i hope you have a wonderful time with your kids and enjoy your time relaxing in the sunshine hope to see you sometime on the tv soon all our love to you and your family happy birthday love the palmer family xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
- Andrea Palmer, reading berkshire
Fern will be so missed, she is such a wonderful person and I really do not believe that anyone can ever better her on This Morning. Good luck to Holly -she has beauty and a nice personality, but Fern cannot be bettered. I won't watch it anymore because it never seems the same if Fern is not there.
- Lin, London England
you put the sunshine into telllivision fern
- April, newark nottinghamshire
GMTV will never be the same again without you Fern good luck bye xx
- Steven, sunderland
This Morning will NEVER be the same again, you will never be replaced. Thanks for all the laughter and tears and good luck to you, God Bless xx
- Molly Munch, Exeter
Good luck Fern for the future in whatever you do,the show won't be the same without you.
- Sue, Workington, Cumbria
Best of Luck Fern, the show will not be the same without you.
- Chris, cumbria
good luck to fern you are the best and we will all miss you good luck 2 the future. xxxxxxxx
- Stevielee, england west yorkshire
