Naga Munchetty bids farewell to BBC co-star with emotional tribute as he quits show

NAGA Munchetty has taken to social media to bid farewell to one of her BBC colleagues with an emotional tribute as he announced his departure from Newsnight.

The BBC Breakfast host was quick to pay tribute to Stephen Smith who she applauded as a "bloody decent person".

Resharing Stephen's post, Naga had her own message for the Newsnight Culture correspondent.

She told her 277,000 followers: "One of the best creative wordsmiths/journalists I've ever had the honour to work with.

"And above all, a bloody decent person. Good luck, Stephen!"

It comes after Stephen announced his exit from the broadcaster in view of his 6,000 followers.

He penned: "Some professional news - and it’s goodnight from me for the last time.

"I was fortunate to meet a who’s who of everyone who matters in arts & culture, from Scorsese to Stormzy.

";Thanks to the producers, camera crews and picture editors I worked with - at least they were, mostly, getting paid."

Following Stephen's announcement, his followers and colleagues flocked to the post to wish him well.

Radio 4's Evan Davis wrote: "Stephen, you are one of a kind. And also very kind. And funny. And knowledgeable.

"Such a pleasure to have been at Newsnight alongside you."

BBC's health reporter Jim Reed added: "Some of the best packages I’ve ever seen on Newsnight Steve. You’ll be missed."

While a third person added: "Oh no! One of my favourite voices! All the best with whatever is next."

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One.