Laura Woods breaks down in tears live on talkSPORT as she announces she is leaving iconic show

LAURA WOODS broke down in tears as she announced her departure from talkSPORT.

The long-time broadcaster will leave her role as presenter of the station's long-running Sports Breakfast show later this month.

Woods. 35, will step back from the role she took on three years ago a fortnight on Wednesday.

And the Arsenal fan was overcome with a wave of emotion as she announced her departure on air.

She said: It's been, genuinely, the hardest decision of my life. I really don't say that lightly.

"For now, no more 3am alarms, which is just wonderful.

"But one thing is for sure is that I wanted to make you know that I'll always be a part of this family.

"I will pop back whenever I can. I adore you all. Thank you.

"I'm going to have a holiday, a long sleep and I'll make a decision on what's next for me.

"So again, I can't say it enough, thank you. Thank you, everyone, for having me. I'll really miss you."

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Woods really began to tear up as co-host Ally McCoist hailed her time at the station.

The Scot said: "I know I speak for everyone through that window over there and all the listeners, Laura. It has been an absolute pleasure.

"I cannot tell you how much I've loved it. I've loved it from start to finish. I love you dearly, I know everyone behind that window loves you dearly.

"You've been an absolute breath of fresh air.

"You've made me feel 18 again in the nicest possible way and then on a Thursday I feel 84 when I'm working with [Alan] Brazil. But you made me feel 18 [again].

"There was an inevitability about it, dare I say it, because we all knew you were going to other places and you were going to keep moving in a northerly direction."

Woods - who is in contention to join , the new name for BT Sport from next season - was equally as emotional in her statement announcing her exit.

She said: "You lot, our listeners, have given me so much comfort and guided me through some of my toughest moments, without even realising it.

"So I wanted to thank you personally for that. I will miss it dearly. Even the Spurs fans.

“For what feels like a lifetime I’ve been a listener of talkSPORT.

"For the last six years, it’s been my home, where we get to spend our mornings talking about sport.

"There’s nothing better. I know I will never find a job like this. It’s unique. 

“Three years as the host of this amazing breakfast show, three bits of silverware for the trophy cabinet and record listening figures.

"I’m very proud of what we achieved here. One thing’s for sure: I will always be part of this family at talkSPORT.”

Listeners were quick to comment on Woods' departure, with one tweeting: "Laura Woods leaving talkSPORT Breakfast.

"That’s such a loss for them."

And another said: "First City win a treble, now Laura Woods leaving.

"No point in even being a football fan any more."

One remarked: "Just when I thought this year was s***e already Laura Woods goes and leaves talkSPORT."

Another chimed in: "Such a shame that Laura Woods is leaving talkSPORT.

"But she would be an excellent replacement for Jeff Stelling on Sky if that’s what is next for her."

Woods is claimed to have held talks with TNT Sports - formerly BT Sport - about replacing the recently-departed Jake Humphrey.

Negotiations are said to have gone well, with TNT reportedly confident of snapping up the former Sky Sports star.