Tearful Fern quits 'This Morning' sofa

Fern Britton wiped away tears today as she received a surprise video message from her former 'This Morning' co-host John Leslie during star-studded farewell celebrations on her last day on the show.

Britton, who turned 52 today, will be replaced after a decade on the flagship ITV1 programme by 28-year-old Holly Willoughby when the series returns after its summer break.

Leslie was sacked from the show following allegations arising from TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson’s autobiography – although she herself did not name him.

In the moving video tribute, Leslie played a song for Britton on the piano, loosely based on Frank Sinatra classic My Way.

Wearing a blue dress which flattered her newly-svelte figure and a sequinned jacket, Britton sat on the sofa flanked by her screen partner Phillip Schofield and her real life husband, TV chef Phil Vickery as tributes were paid.

Clips from her best bits were shown and there were video tributes from stars including Johnny Vegas, Ricky Gervais and Paul O’Grady.

Willoughby has said presenting the show was “the ultimate dream job”.

Britton has rejected rumours she quit the show after falling out with Schofield because he was being paid more than her.

She first announced her departure in March, saying she wanted to work on new projects.

Speculation over who would replace her was rife, with names including Myleene Klass, Melanie Sykes and Kate Garraway all mentioned.

Schofield said the show had planned to bring Fern to work via helicopter, but it had been grounded by fog.