Emma Willis broke down live on television as she bid farewell to Big Brother.
The 42-year-old host has fronted the Channel 5 reality programme since 2013 and the network announced in September it would be dropping both the civilian and celebrity versions of the show.
During Monday night’s live final, of what could be the show’s last ever series, Emma couldn’t contain her emotions and shed a tear.
Read more: Big Brother’s Brian Belo launches scathing attack on Rylan Clark-Neal and Emma Willis
Speaking at the end of the episode – which saw 19-year-old Cameron Cole crowned the winner – she said: “Thank you to the 300 plus production team that work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you our very special show.
“To Davina [McCall], Marcus, and Brian, who have paved the way as hosts. To all of the Big Brother housemates that have taken part over the last 18 years, and to all of you at home.
“Whether you’ve been here for the long haul, or you’ve recently climbed on board, with you, we would never have lasted 18 years.”
An emotional goodbye from our amazing and inspirational host, @EmmaWillis ❤️️ #BBUK pic.twitter.com/m9AewJZH0D
— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) 5 November 2018
Emma – who also hosted spin-off show Big Brother’s Bit on the Side from 2011 to 2015, before Rylan Clark-Neal took over – then began to cry as she thanked the show for being her very own “big brother”.
She said: “But most of all, thank you to Big Brother for being the best big brother to me. Like any sibling he has made me laugh uncontrollably, scream in frustration, and weep with sadness and joy.
“I will love you always, but it’s time now for this house to hopefully find a new home. Thank you so much for watching.”
After the show had finished, Emma then appeared on Big Brother’s Bit on the Side alongside Rylan, where they shared more emotional goodbyes.
Emma told him: “It’s surreal. It just doesn’t … I dunno. I just can’t imagine not being here.”
But it wasn’t all sadness in the studio, as the pair joked that they would be taking a long holiday in January now that they don’t have to host the celebrity edition of the show.
Emma said: “Shall we go on holiday in January? Let’s spend a month on holiday.”
And Rylan added: “Let’s go away. We’ll still meet up every Friday, we can do evictions from my garden. I’m up for it, I’m so up for it.”
Whilst Channel 5 may have dropped the programme, the future of Big Brother is still up in the air as the producers are currently in talks to try and find a new home for the show.
Read more: Channel 5 announces Big Brother has been axed
In September, Channel 5 released a statement saying: “The forthcoming series of Big Brother will be the last – of either celebrity or civilian versions – on Channel 5.
“We’d like to thank Endemol and all of the production team who have worked tirelessly to make the show a success.
“We’d also like to thank our brilliant presenters – Emma on Big Brother and Rylan from Bit on the Side – for their consummate professionalism, Marcus, the voice of Big Brother and all of the housemates who have created so many memorable moments.”
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