GMTV concludes final show

Long-running morning show GMTV bowed out today with presenter Andrew Castle thanking the loyal viewers who watched it in its 17-year run.

He was joined on the ITV1 show's sofa for the last time by fellow presenters Richard Arnold, Emma Crosby and guests McFly who had performed in the studio earlier.

He said: "Like all families there have been squabbles along the way, but there has been no shortage of love, effort and perseverance, and we just want to say to the viewers who have been with us loyally for a long time, thank you so much."

The show is being replaced by Daybreak which will be presented by former One Show hosts Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles.

Castle wished them all the best and said: "Fingers crossed for them, really good luck."

The last show featured a story about a group of drinkers in Stalybridge who clubbed together to buy their pub and an interview with comic and actor Nigel Planer.

More music was provided when viewers were shown a clip of Castle's eldest daughter Georgina singing.

It was not goodbye for everyone though - GMTV regulars John Stapleton, Hilary Jones and Kate Garraway will be appearing regularly on the new show.

New presenters including Lucy Verasamy, who joins from Sky, will make their debut on the show which starts at 6am on Monday.

It will be followed by Lorraine Kelly presenting her own show from 8.30am to 9.25am.

Castle said watching his daughter round off the show made an emotional end to his career on the programme.

The aspiring singer is a finalist in the Festival4Stars national talent competition.

Castle said today: "It was a huge honour for Georgina to sing on the show and very thoughtful of the bosses at ITV to let her do it. It was emotional to watch and rounds off my time at GMTV nicely.

But he is not too sure whether she should turn to music as a full-time career.

"She's a much better singer than I am a dancer, but we will only decide if a career beckons in the entertainment industry after she finishes her A-levels next summer.

"But it is her dream and who are we to say she shouldn't follow it?"