Countryfile's Ellie Harrison 'heartbroken' as co-stars react to her final show

Countryfile's Ellie Harrison has admitted to being "heartbroken" as her co-stars paid tribute to her during her final show as a presenter.

Harrison, 46, announced in October that she would be leaving the BBC series after 13 years as a presenter and as her exit aired on Sunday night, her co-stars and fans shared their sadness at seeing her go.

Presenter Anita Rani sat down with Harrison in her last episode and surprised her with recordings of messages from her colleagues.

In one video, Matt Baker said: "Ellie, I’m sending you this message with lots of love to say how much I’m going to miss presenting Countryfile alongside you. I will never forget our first show together."

Read more: Countryfile: All the show's presenters as Ellie Harrison quits

But Hamza Yassin's message saw Harrison tear up as he told her: "Hi Ellie. My fondest memory with you was my first time ever presenting with Countryfile. Believe it or not, it was with you.

"I was super nervous and you put me straight at ease. Ever since that day, I’ve taken the tips that you’ve given me, so thank you so much. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we’ll see you, but good luck in the future."

Harrison looked emotional as she said: "Oh gorgeous Hamza! Stop it! Oh, I feel a bit heartbroken."

Rani added: "You have been amazing to work with."

In October Harrison wrote about her decision to leave in the show's Countryfile magazine, explaining: "There are many things I'll miss. I've come to realise that I don't need to navigate to a whole new ocean or even a new sea, but to chart a new course somewhere in these waters, raising my three wonderful children, growing our family business and following my own creative calling to produce art of my own making.

"The winds of change are blowing, my hands turn the tiller and I close my eyes to take comfort from Invictus: 'I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.' I'll see you again someday."

Her fans also wished her well on Sunday evening as one viewer wrote on X: "Best wishes to the fabulous Ellie Harrison. You'll be greatly missed on countryfile. We hope to see you soon on some other adventure Ellie."

Someone else commented: "We'll miss you on Countryfile, Ellie. Good luck with your new venture."

Another fan added: "Been watching #Countryfile since it was on at midday with John Craven as main presenter but I enjoyed the Ellie years, very sad she’s leaving. Hopefully going to better things."