Sky's Crosby to join GMTV's team

Emma Crosby currently presents business features on Sky News

Sky News presenter Emma Crosby is to replace Fiona Phillips on GMTV's sofa early in the new year, ITV's breakfast station has announced.

Crosby, 31, who began her career as a BBC News producer before working on London radio station LBC, said she was "absolutely thrilled" to land the job.

She has also worked on ITV's local news in London and the south of England.

GMTV also announced that Kirsty McCabe will replace weather presenter Andrea McLean, who is leaving after 11 years.

Crosby will already be used to early starts as a presenter on Sky's Sunrise programme.

She was on-air during the terrorist attack on Glasgow Airport in June 2007, helping Sky News to a Bafta for its coverage of the incident.

"I am very excited to be joining Britain's leading breakfast programme and working alongside Kate Garraway, who is a great talent," Crosby said.

Phillips joined GMTV when it launched in 1993 as an entertainment correspondent.

The 47-year-old is leaving to spend more time with her family. She told the Sunday Times that her father's worsening dementia had prompted her decision.