TV presenter Fiona Phillips is leaving GMTV after 12 years to devote more time to her children and her elderly father.

The 47-year-old will leave the programme at the end of this year.

In a statement released by GMTV she said it had been "the hardest decision I have ever made".

She said: "I love the job but I've got other responsibilities - the children, a home life and an elderly dad who needs me - and I've recognised that I can't have it all."

Ms Phillips has been the breakfast show's main anchor since 1996.

She joined the show in 1993 as entertainment correspondent and spent two years in the US as the LA correspondent before landing the top job on the sofa.

Ms Phillips is married to the programme editor Martin Frizell and the couple have two sons Nathanial, 9 and Mackenzie, 6.

GMTV's director of programming Peter McHugh said that she would be sorely missed: "But after all those years of getting up at 4am we can understand why she wants a change.

"Her honesty and openness have helped make GMTV the success it is. She is a tough act to follow."

Despite her departure the presenter will not be disappearing from our screens entirely.

Her agent said: "Fiona is leaving GMTV but she is not leaving television."

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