Farewell & tributes for Fern Britton as she hands over to This Morning's new presenter Holly Willoughby

Friday saw accolades and tributes flowing from a host of celebrities for Fern Britton's last day on the sofa of ITV's This Morning, after a six year run co-presenting with Phillip Schofield .  Holly Willoughby  will partner Phillip when the programme returns in the autumn.

Sitting between 2 Phillips - the other being her husband and television chef Phil Vickery, Fern was at times tearful.  There were celebrities in the studio including Michael Ball, Matthew Kelly and John Barrowman, video tributes from stars including Johnny Vegas, Ricky Gervais and Paul O’Grady  and a message from the Duchess of York,

Since news of Fern's departure to work on new projects, speculation of her replacement has been rife with names such as Melanie Sykes, Kate Garraway, Christine Bleakley and Mylene Klass . However, Holly Willoughby will be co-presenting the show with Phillip Schofield after the summer break.

Having co-hosted with Phillip Schofield on Dancing on Ice, the chemistry is right and Holly is thrilled to have landed 'the ultimate dream job'. Holly Willoughby has also presented Xtra Factor.