Longtime BT host says farewell to city
Kevin Frankish leaving City-TV morning show after a 27-year stint
Tears flowed amid the laughter on Kevin Frankish’s last day after 27 years as co-host of Breakfast Television.
Mayor John Tory and Argos icon Mike (Pinball) Clemons were among the celebrities at the City-TV studios Friday to say goodbye to the popular morning personality.
Tory joined the broadcast after Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page” played, and handed Frankish a framed certificate from city council.
“You’ve been so important to people in this city, you made them smile, you’ve got them up but I also think you’ve done something much, much more than that,” Tory said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent in a message via video, telling him that the last 27 years has been quite a journey.
“As a BT fan myself, I want to thank you for making Toronto’s mornings that much more special,” Trudeau said.
“Wishing you all the best for the next chapter, you’ll be missed and my mom sends her best.”
Frankish, 54, announced he was leaving earlier this week but will remain at the station to work on special projects. Viewers tweeted out their thanks and favourite memories under the hashtag #ThanksKevin, the top trending topic on Twitter in Toronto in the morning.
“You have started my day for the past 23 years, since the birth of my daughter turned me into an early riser,” tweeted a user named Jan (@Jan_ShinePhoto).
“I will miss the hell out of you but wish you continued success & much happiness #thankskevin #sleepin @KevinFrankish @BTtoronto”
Dina Pugliese, co-host since 2006, told Frankish at the end of the broadcast that he’ll always be part of the family.
“It’s been 12 years of just joy and laughter and love,” said a teary Pugliese, before asking family and the television crew to join them.
Frankish bid farewell to his long-time viewers and thanked them for watching.
“It’s been a privilege, it’s been an honour,” he said as tears rolled down his face. “These are good people, these are my family. I’ve got many families but I cannot forget my family out there watching. So many of you come up and just talk to me and say, ‘hi Kev.’ And I hope you don’t stop doing that.”