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After 15 years of early mornings, Fiona Phillips quits GMTV sofa
Danny Brierley, Evening Standard29 Aug 2008
GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips today revealed she is quitting the breakfast show because she can no longer cope with the early morning starts.
The 47-year-old presenter will leave after 15 years - midway through a three-year £1.5million contract.
She has told producers she can no longer juggle getting up at 4am with the demands of bringing up sons Nathanial, nine, and Mackenzie, six.
She said: "It has been the hardest decision I've ever made. I love the job but I've got other responsibilities - the children, a home life and an elderly dad who needs me. I've recognised that I can't have it all."
Phillips, married to programme editor Martin Frizzell, joined the station in 1993 as an entertainment correspondent based in Hollywood, covering the OJ Simpson trial and the Los Angeles earthquake.
She became a household name during her sofa partnership with former co-host Eamonn Holmes and became main presenter 12 years ago.
A source said: "Fiona has devoted her life to GMTV for the past 12 years.
"Working those kind of unearthly hours takes a toll and she has her family to think about. She appreciates it might appear a bit bonkers to walk away, but the summer break gave her time to reach a decision."
Penny Smith or Kate Garraway could replace her, but it is thought a new face is wanted.
The source added: "There are other opportunities in television she has turned down, now she will be able to do other projects."
GMTV's Peter McHugh said: "She is a tough act to follow."
Reader views (1)
I am really sorry to read this as I was so looking forward to Fiona returning next week. I have been watching breakfast GMTV for sometime now and have always found Fiona to be positive, down to earth and not afraid to speak her mind (a woman after my own heart). I know there have been articles flying around saying that 'Kate Garraway' is the new Queen of GMTV but how wrong can they be. I find Kate to be very self obsessed and comes over as quite arrogant. My friend Brian met Fiona at an event held by Wandsworth Council some time ago and he commented how sylish, natural, easy going and warm she was. We will miss you Fiona and maybe from now on I will tune into radio 4 before going off to work each day.
- Sylvia Davies, Merton, Surrey, 31/08/2008 09:29
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