over and out
Sky News host gives legendary nod to Will Ferrell’s Anchorman as he signs off from show for last time
SKY News presenter Dermot Murnaghan signed off his final ever broadcast on the news channel with a nod to Will Ferrell's legendary character of Anchorman.
Will played the role in comedy movie favourite, Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy, and Dermot issued the same parting words as that of Will's character as he waved goodbye to Sky News yesterday evening.
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The 65 year old presenter has spent 16 years at the helm of Sky News Tonight and drew applause from his co-stars and crew as he hosted the news programme for one final time.
In his closing speech, the veteran broadcaster said: "Finally, as the saying goes, some news about me.
"After 15 years this is my final programme for Sky News, the best organisation in the UK, which you already know for its coverage and analysis and also its dedicated, inventive, hard-working staff, so many of whom have become close friends.
"And I want to say thanks to you all for putting up with me and supporting me so resolutely through elections, resigning prime ministers and monarch's funerals but of course, my greatest thanks goes to you, the viewers."
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Dermot continued: "You make Sky News, you are Sky News, your engagement, encouragement and feedback have been invaluable over my time here.
"I hope that I've managed to serve you well. It has been an absolute privilege. Thanks for making this career so worthwhile.
"I leave you with - always wanted to do this - a last look at the headlines, there they are."
He then offered up his parting words as he uttered the classic movie line whilst throwing his papers in the air: "You stay classy, planet Earth, goodbye."
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It appeared to be a direct spin from Anchorman's extremely similar line: "I'm Ron Burgundy, you stay classy, San Diego."
Dermot was left emotional yesterday as his work colleagues, both on and off air, surprised him.
As he prepped for his show in the studio he was left stunned as over a dozen of his workmates flooded in to wish him well.
Taking to social media, Murnaghan said: "I’m getting quite emotional here before my final @SkyNewsTonight broadcast.
"There was I sneaking in a last quiet snap in the studio and this wonderful lot flooded in to say goodbye. I’ll miss you!"
Dermot, who has previously worked for BBC News and ITN, could be found presenting on weekday evenings for the last number of years.
Before that he fronted a Sunday morning political programme called 'Murnaghan'.
He also presented the BBC Two daytime show Eggheads from 2003 until 2014, as well as its short-lived spin-off series Are You an Egghead? in 2008 and 2009.
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