A GOOD Morning Britain favourite has announced their shock departure from the ITV show.
The daytime telly anchor, 53, bought the cast special goodbye presents - as well as asking host Ed Balls, 56, to make a personal announcement for his mum.
Yet as entertainment host Richard Arnold made an unexpected live exit from the Good Morning Britain studios, all was not as it seemed.
The showbiz reporter is heading Down Under to report on the new I'm A Celebrity 2023 series - with the full cast line-up recently revealed.
As such, he handed out jungle-themed drinks holders to the panel before presenter Susanna Reid, 52, cheered: "Get you out of here!"
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She then said: "Hope it's business class," before he quipped: "There will be plenty of extra leg room."
It is unclear who will present GMB's entertainment coverage from the studio while he is away.
Richard had asked co-host Ed Balls to send a message to his mum Dot live on camera - making it clear he wasn't going on a jolly.
But of course the former Labour MP did nothing of the kind, instead suggesting Richard would be "on the beach" with ad hoc appearances on the telly.
The co-stars then shared a goodbye hug.
Meanwhile, this summer, fans were again shocked as Richard was replaced.
Blue singer Duncan James had been hired to cover for showbiz stalwart Richard on the ITV breakfast show all week.
Sitting alongside the presenters, the 45-year-old told viewers he had made a quick dash to Primark to buy a suit, and had "big shoes" to fill.
He added: "I know, I've seen Richard's shoes in the dressing room."
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Duncan first appeared on Good Morning Britain over two decades ago with his Blue bandmates and said the show had given them their big break and first TV appearance.
Meanwhile, I'm A Celeb's start date was recently confirmed.
The first show snap confirmed the full line-up The Sun officially reported last week.
It revealed controversial politician Nigel Farage, Britney Spears sister Jamie Lynn, JLS hunk Marvin Humes, former EastEnders actress Danielle Harold, Hollyoaks legend Nick Pickard and YouTuber Nella Rose.
