Ryan Bridge farewells AM, reveals partner's name in emotional exit from show

Watch: Ryan Bridge farewells AM. Credits: Video / Image - AM

AM host Ryan Bridge has farewelled the show by choosing to reveal his partner's name to thank him for his support through his time on air. 

Bridge announced earlier this month he was leaving the morning show to begin a new role as the host of Newshub's new 7pm news and current affairs offering.    

"To my partner who has never wanted to be named, but I thought this morning - in the spirit of Chippy [former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins] on election night - thank you, Fergy. I love you and thank you for making this all possible, I can't wait to marry you," Bridge said. 

During his concession speech on Election Night, Hipkins revealed the first details of his partner. "There is someone else special that I want to thank tonight, someone that most of you won't know, and that is my partner Toni," he told Labour Party faithful at the time.

In June this year, Bridge told viewers he was "very, very happy to share some personal news" before letting the audience know he was engaged. 

"It was maybe a couple of months ago I got down on one knee," he told co-host Laura Tupou. 

"Went for a little swim in the beach and actually did it in the water - which was kind of risky I guess because I had the ring. I proposed to my partner, and he said yes." 

Bridge also thanked everyone behind the scenes and on the show, as well as viewers. 

"Thank you so much, everybody, I have loved this experience. 

"It has been about five years on this show - by my maths, that's 1761 hours of live TV," Bridge said. 

"What a ride it's been - It has been a huge privilege." 

Bridge also paid tribute to his co-host Melissa Chan-Green, saying: "Thank you for being there, through babies and engagements, I always trusted you, together we were a great team. I know you're going to smash it next year." 

Watch the video above.