Matthew Wright choked back tears as he hosted ‘The Wright Stuff’ for the final time yesterday (14.05.18).
The 52-year-old TV presenter announced last month that he was stepping down as the host of the Channel 5 current affairs show after 18 years but, although it was his decision to leave for the benefit of his family, he struggled to hide his emotion as waved goodbye to his team and the loyal viewers.
His voice cracked as he told viewers: "I’d like to thank you at home.
"Eighteen years we have spent together. That is a long time for stuff to happen. I got divorced. Coming in to do the show that day, the day of a break-up, that is an experience."
However, Matthew is looking forward to spending more time with his second wife Amelia Gatte.
He said: "And then so too is doing a show when you have fallen head-over-heels in love. I have to say it will be great to see more of Amelia. Some compensation I guess for seeing less of you."
Joining in a discussion about having a life plan on the show, Matthew said: "As I stare towards a future with no plan on what to do next I want to know if that’s a problem.
"It would be madness to carry on working – I have security – I want to do some living, and hopefully some work at some point or I’ll be starving."
Regular panellist Lowri Turner said: "I’ve been quite tearful, 17 years I’ve done this show with you."
A video of highlights of the past 18 years was played featuring famous guests including former prime minister, Tony Blair, and George Michael, who once dialled in.
Janet Ellis, one of the regular panellists, also sent a video message, describing Matthew as a friend and "the finest devil’s advocate".
Matthew thanked "all the wonderful people" he had worked with and said: "The Wright Stuff would be nothing without its guests".
He later tweeted: "Anyone else got something in their eye?", with a tearful emoji.
The Channel 5 show will return in September with a new look and a new name, hosted by Radio 2 DJ Jeremy Vine.
Matthew Wright’s tearful goodbye on The Wright Stuff
