Fern BrittonThe mornings won't be the same...

Fern Britton has handed in her notice on ITV's This Morning.

The 51-year-old presenter cited her family and the need to "explore other things" as her reasons for quitting the hit show.

She's fronted the programme for ten years, six of those alongside Phillip Schofield.

In a statement, mum-of-four Fern said:

"I have decided to leave the show at the end of the current series. I will present my last show on 17th July, my birthday, which seems somehow appropriate.

"The This Morning team are simply the best and I will miss them all very much but I am looking forward to the freedom of exploring other things I want to do, and also spend more time with my wonderful family.

"So many thank yous to all our viewers who have shown me so much kindness and loyalty," she ended.

Her co-presenter Phil expressed his sorrow over the news.

Writing on his official site, he said:Phillip Schofield

"I'm obviously very sad that after ten triumphant years on This Morning Fern has decided to leave the sofa.

"I've been lucky enough to work with her for six of those years and can honestly say that they have been amongst the best of my career. 

"We have cried together over stories and we have laughed ourselves breathless too. I wish Fern all the very best, lots of love, and hope she can get a few well deserved lie-ins."

He said he was looking forward to the start of the new series in September with a different presenter in tow.