“Thank you very much, it’s been wonderful!” Michael Rowland departs News Breakfast
"I am so exceptionally proud of the audience I - we -have helped build over the years," says Michael Rowland as he signs off after 15 years.
- Published by David Knox
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Michael Rowland has left the News Breakfast building, signing off this morning after 15 years as host.
Today’s farewell included montages, video greetings, cast and family paying tribute to Rowland who is looking forward to sleep-ins beyond 3AM.
“I want to take this opportunity as well to thank all of you for helping me look good on camera. It is a massive, massive team effort, and I and Bridget would not be able to do what we do without the work of the fabulous producers, directors, make up, artists, master control who put all of our stuff to air and it make us look good,” he said.
“I also want to thank again my co presenters, Bridget, thank you. It’s been wonderful working with you only for a short amount of time. Virginia, Lisa, Karina, a special shout out to Virginia, who was my longest work wife for nine years. Loved working with her. We annoyed the hell out of each other on occasion, but she taught me how to be a breakfast presenter, and for that to Virginia, I’m always truly grateful and happy to have worked with you.”
He also thanked current Executive Producer Tyson Shine (who baked the all important cake) and former EPs, Tim Ayliffe “who appointed me in the first place. He’s to blame,” Erin Vincent, Sarah Jentsch and Emily Butselaar.
“I am so exceptionally proud of the audience I – we -have helped build over the years. I’ve got lots of messages. I’ve been truly overwhelmed by them.
“This one especially from Odie. She says, ‘Thank you, Michael, for your dad jokes.’ And I am apparently Odie’s 93 year old mother’s favourite eye candy. There is my target audience!
“Thank you very much, it’s been wonderful!”
Travel well, MJR.
- Tagged with News Breakfast
4 Responses
Have enjoyed watching news breakfast from the very beginning. MJR you are 1 of a few juries I trust and believe and you will be sorely missed. I thought Virginia would have been in the studio or did I miss that when taking a shower ?
I thought your dad jokes were ok!
All the best MJR and look forward to seeing you back on channel 2.
I’ve felt a tinge of sadness today since about 9AM, kind of like saying good-bye to a great friend. MJR, you have been such a joy to connect with week after week, year after year. Simply put: thank you for your great online presence and for showing us what a great role model for anyone can be! Indeed, Travel Well MJR. For any of us who have watched you on News Breakfast, we’re better off for having watched you! Can’t wait to see what you do next.
MJR was bloody brilliant on that show. Knowledgeable, smooth, warm and, in a way, the father figure of the News Breakfast team who always had their backs. James has big shoes to fill.
Absolute legend right there, Farewell MJR, we’ve enjoyed your jokes (or have we) but certainly a no better Eddie Munster in sight ;)