30 July 2010 Last updated at 06:29 ET

Ben Shephard leaves GMTV

Shephard has signed up as a presenter with Sky Sports

Ben Shephard has bid farewell to GMTV after 10 years on the sofa, telling viewers: "I'm going to miss all of you, every single one of you."

The father-of-two was shown messages from former co-presenters including Fiona Phillips and Jenni Falconer.

Earlier this week it was confirmed he would be moving to Sky Sports to anchor Uefa Champions League matches and to co-present Goals On Sunday.

The 35-year-old West Ham fan is due to make his debut on 15 August.

Asked to give the last word by his GMTV co-host Kate Garraway, Shephard said: "I've waited for you to say that for 10 years."

He said the people who worked behind-the-scenes on the show did "all the hard work" adding: "We're just the muppets up the front that do as we're told and get the glory.

"I'm going to miss Kate more than anything in the world - it's been an absolute pleasure."

He told viewers: "Thank you so much for inviting me into your houses, into your bedrooms, into your bathrooms, into your kitchens."

GMTV is to be replaced in September by a new breakfast show, Daybreak, hosted by former One Show presenters Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.