Joanna Gosling appeared as though she was struggling to hold back her tears as she signed off from BBC News for the last year, after more than 20 years with the broadcaster.

During her final stint on the programme on Thursday January 26, the journalist ended the show with an emotional farewell to viewers and colleagues, many of whom shared messages of support when she announced she would be stepping down from her role through voluntary redundancy.

‘Now it is just about time for me to say goodbye for the last time,’ she began.

‘I am signing off after 23 years at BBC News, and before I go there are just a few things I wanted to say. I know this job is personal. We come directly into your home to tell you what is happening – good, bad, funny, sad.

‘And in doing my work I always consider how you might be responding to the news you are hearing and what you might want to know.’

Expressing how thankful she was for the messages she’s received, she continued: ‘But your response to me leaving has been completely unexpected and I have been really touched by the wave of warmth and kindness from you, and I want to say thank you for all of your good wishes. It really has meant a lot to me.’

Joanna began to sound choked up as she ended her message, stating: ‘Lucky me to have had this great job that has never felt like a job. Thank you for having me,’ before applause erupted in the BBC studio.

More to follow.

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‘Lucky me to have had this great job that has never felt like a job,’ the journalist said.