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BBC star QUITS fan-favourite show after seven years – admitting morning alarms ‘are brutal’ as support floods in

The star was praised for her coverage during the Paris Olympics

A BBC star has called time on her morning show appearance after seven years - admitting the early alarm calls ‘are brutal’.

Sports commentator Katie Smith announced her departure from the 5 Live Breakfast show to fans on X, formerly Twitter.

BBC sports presenter Katie Smith covered the Paris Olympics earlier this year
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BBC sports presenter Katie Smith covered the Paris Olympics earlier this yearCredit: BBC
Fans are flooding Twitter with support for the star, who is leaving 5 Live after seven years
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Fans are flooding Twitter with support for the star, who is leaving 5 Live after seven yearsCredit: X/@K_CroydenSmith
Star paid tribute to her colleagues on the programme and will still be working for them in a different time schedule
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Star paid tribute to her colleagues on the programme and will still be working for them in a different time scheduleCredit: X/@K_CroydenSmith

She wrote: "I'm leaving the wonderful 5 Live Breakfast show in a couple of weeks after a brilliant few years of mayhem with Rachel Burden, Rick Edwards, and the amazing producers and editors.

"I still remember the first time I walked into MediaCity and I knew I had to work there.

"Fast-forward a few years, and I can't believe how much I've learnt, the people I've met, and, more especially, the places I have been privileged enough to visit."

But she has admitted that early starts have been taking their toll, saying: "The morning alarms are brutal, and it's time to have a new adventure - which is the plan for 2025 and beyond."

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Katie was part of the BBC team for the recent Olympics in Paris and has been a familiar face on 5 Live Breakfast on the weekend.

She has been with the breakfast show since 2017.

But the sports journalist added that she isn't leaving 5 Live for good, saying: "I'm so proud I am still doing lots of that for 5 Live Sport and the BBC, which will still bring us together for the biggest moments better than anyone else."

Fans praised her excellent coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics for 5 Live.

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One fan said: "You and the rest of the 5 Live Sport Team have been immense at the Olympics, and it has been a joy to listen to all your commentaries, stories, and laughs."

Another added: "You did a brilliant job in Paris. And your commentating double-act with Buncey was fantastic."

BBC star QUITS fan-favourite show after seven years - admitting the morning alarms ‘are brutal’ as she’s flooded with support

While a third commented: "Great work Katie, coverage of the Olympics was first class."

Many fans wished her luck, with one commenting on a possible new gig for the star: "Stay on 5 Live, please—it's always great to listen to.

"Taking over from Chappers when he goes on MOTD?"

To which she replied: "Ooh I like your thinking! And so glad you enjoy it! I won't be going far."

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