This morning marked a significant chapter for the beloved ITV show, This Morning, as emotional goodbyes filled the air following the departure of long-standing editor Martin Frizell. Over ten years, Frizell has played an instrumental role at the helm of the popular daytime show, but today, co-presenters Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson bid him farewell, expressing heartfelt gratitude and fond memories of the impact he had on their lives and careers.
Frizell announced his decision to step down last November, stating it was time to navigate shifting family priorities. "Next year I’m expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them," he remarked then, highlighting his dedication to his wife, journalist Fiona Phillips, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease back in 2022. This morning was dedicated to the parting of ways with Frizell, as he concluded his final episode, surrounded by the hosts who appreciated his mentorship.
The emotional atmosphere was palpable as Hammond and Gibson invited Frizell to join them on the iconic sofa for the show's closing segment. With tears welling up, Hammond spoke eloquently about how Frizell had taken chances on both her and Gibson, truly transforming their careers. "He’s the one who took a chance on us, transforming mine and Josie’s careers. It’s such an incredible opportunity, and we just want to say thank you very much. We love you," she stated, fighting back emotions. Gibson echoed these sentiments, sharing her deeply personal gratitude, stating, "Thank you so much because you believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself; you grew me as a presenter, and I can’t thank you enough."
Frizell, visibly touched by their kind words, replied modestly, "If you were rubbish, you wouldn’t be on telly. You’re very good. It has been a great ride and a fantastic time." The heartfelt exchange was underscored by nostalgia as they reminisced about the past decade, recalling moments of fun and personal growth they experienced with Frizell at the helm.
During his tenure, Frizell navigated challenges with grace and skill, orchestrated numerous award-winning broadcasts, and led campaigns on pressing societal issues such as suicide prevention, menopause, and major health concerns affecting men and women alike. "Between us, we’ve turned out more than 6,000 hours of live topical telly, which produces around 20,000 items. [...] I’m most proud of the change we made to so many lives, even saving a fair few with our campaigns," he reflected.
Aside from the constructively impactful moments, Frizell's leadership was also tested amid controversies, including the scandal surrounding scandal-hit presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. Repercussions were felt throughout, yet under Frizell’s stewardship, many found resilience through the tribulations. He became notable for his ability to emerge from difficult scenarios, all whilst continuing to lead the production team and encouraging innovation.
Frizell’s lasting impression on the dynamic world of television was evident during today's episode, where each segment dripped with gratitude and warmth, transcending the traditional farewell. Hammond and Gibson kept the tone light-hearted, with playful banter surrounding Frizell’s choice for the Friday jukebox — Shania Twain’s empowering anthem, "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" Hammond teasingly pointed out, "He's got quite good taste, our editor!" Gibson humorously added, "He has got good taste; well, he employs us!"
Both presenter's trajectories have been reshaped under Frizell’s guidance. Since joining the show, they have flourished — Hammond, who began as a guest host, now holds the role of regular presenter on Fridays, and Gibson’s star continues to rise after finding fame initially as a Big Brother housemate. Their standing is deeply entwined with Frizell’s impact, and today’s emotional farewell encapsulated not just personal stories but the strength of community collaboration at This Morning.
With Frizell’s departure, Vivek Sharma steps up as the new editor of This Morning, bringing fresh perspectives to the show. Having served as associate editor for 15 months, Sharma stated, "Having grown up watching the show, it’s an incredible privilege and honour to take on the role of editor. [...] The team on and off camera are world-class, and I can’t wait to work alongside them to shape the future of this iconic brand."
Today marks the end of not just Frizell's chapter but also ignites new beginnings for the crew and viewers alike. Moving forward, This Morning promises to adapt and continue serving, wherein each episode will continue to bridge communities, share stories, and deliver laughter, information, and life-changing moments. Viewers can tune in every weekday at 10 am, eager to witness what this new era holds for their cherished morning routine.