Sun sets on Daybreak duo

The pair made a low-key exit, wishing viewers a happy Christmas and paying tribute to the work of both on-air colleagues and production staff.

“I’m off to concentrate on the football and Christine is being put on ice,” Chiles quipped, referring to Bleakley’s new Dancing On Ice role, before he told viewers: “Bye for now.” Bleakley said: “That is just about it from us. Good luck, have a great Christmas. Bye bye.”

As the pair signed off, presenter Lorraine Kelly said: “Good luck guys, we will miss you.”

Their exit was confirmed in November after the show struggled to improve on the audience for its predecessor GMTV.

Bleakley, 32, said last week that she was relishing the prospect of enjoying her evenings again, instead of going to bed early.

The new presenters of Daybreak have yet to be announced.