'TRAILBLAZER'
Legendary BBC presenter wipes away tears as she signs off for the final time
Tributes flooded in from celebrities, politicians and viewers
LEGENDARY BBC broadcaster Kirsty Wark presented Newsnight for the last time in an emotional farewell.
The newsreader and journalist has been the face of the show for 30 years.
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The BBC announced last October that Wark would be stepping down after the election.
She wiped away tears as she signed off for the final time last night, telling viewers the experience had been "an honour and a blast".
Wark added: "Thank you to all of my wonderful colleagues and my equally wonderful viewers. Keep on switching on.
"Victoria is back on Monday, until then, goodnight and good luck."
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The episode featured a montage of clips showing some of Wark's career highlights.
She studied history at Edinburgh University and landed a job as a researcher at BBC Radio Scotland before moving into television in the early 1980s.
She joined Newsnight back in 1993 and has presented Newsnight Review since 2001.
Colleagues, celebrities and politicians took to social media to pay tribute to the well-respected broadcaster.
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Gabby Logan wrote: "This tribute to Kirsty Wark is perfect. A master of her genre.
"A legend and an inspiration for so many of us. What a woman. We will miss you."
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Emily Maitlis added: "Kirsty Wark is quite simply unparalleled.
"Newsnight Queen. Fabulous colleague. Amazing woman."
TV chef Nigella Lawson gushed: "What a career! A really touching tribute here."
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "Such tremendous versatility, breadth and warmth. Loved watching and being interviewed by you. Thank you Kirsty."
Meanwhile, BBC Scotland journalist Laura Maciver said: "The Queen of Newsnight, a trailblazer for women, and an absolutely lovely person.
"Enjoy having more free evenings Kirsty and thank you for being an icon."