Nick Grimshaw took selfies with fans and thanked them for their support as he left the BBC Radio 1 studios after presenting his final breakfast show.
The DJ, who took over the programme from Chris Moyles six years ago, smiled broadly and stopped to chat to fans who were waiting for him outside.
As he posed for pictures he told them “that is so kind” as several gave him cards.
The radio personality was carrying a box of trainers that he said had been given to him by fellow Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo, who hosts the 10am show.
He left the building accompanied by newsreader Tina Daheley, who was carrying a large bouquet of flowers.
Grimshaw announced his departure in May saying he was “really tired”.
The last six years have been SO amazing.
Big love to everybody who has listened and been a part of the show ❤️@grimmers will be refreshed and back with you shortly in the afternoons! pic.twitter.com/JwDXDuTyxX
— The BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show (@R1Breakfast) August 9, 2018
He will be replaced by Greg James and will take over his Radio 1 drivetime slot in a job swap between the pair.
Fondly known to fans and listeners as Grimmy, he said: “I’ve had the time of my life doing the Radio 1 Breakfast Show and I’m proud to have been part of such an iconic show.
“Thanks to everyone that has listened and I can’t wait to set my alarm a little later and be back with you all at 4pm from September 3.”
After his final show he wrote on Instagram: “That was funnnnnnnnn. Thanks for waking up early and listening to me for the past 6 years.
“A lot has happened in my life in that time but you guys and the show have been my constant. There’s been births, deaths, broken bones, broken hearts and I’ve had some of the worst hangovers of my life broadcast live to millions.
“Enjoy the summer and see you when we’re back to school in Septmber… only this time from 4pm.”
He started his last breakfast show with Kanye West and Jay-Z’s collaboration N***** In Paris – the first song he played when he started the job in 2012.
He joked he was “going to make everyone talk about me” before playing his second song of the morning – dance track Million Voices by Swedish DJ Otto Knows.
This was followed by Miley Cyrus’ We Can’t Stop.
Ben Cooper, Controller, Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network, thanked Grimshaw for “getting up for the country”.
He said: “I’d like to thank Grimmy for doing what I asked him to do, which was take us from a traditional radio station to a multimedia youth brand, now with 10 million weekly listeners, 16 million weekly YouTube views and 10 million social followers.
“I’d also like to thank him for getting up early for the country, enjoy your lie in.”
Grimshaw’s rise to fame has been a rapid one after joining the BBC in 2007, hosting BBC Two youth music show Sound in 2007 alongside DJ Annie Mac.
From there, he went on to host Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast Show in 2008 until the following year, before moving to hosting the late-night slot on the station.
Grimshaw, who was raised in Royton, Oldham, took over from Moyles at the age of 27 in 2012. The move was deemed controversial at the time due to Grimshaw’s lack of primetime presenting experience.
In 2015, the 33-year-old appeared as an X Factor judge, along with Simon Cowell, Rita Ora and Cheryl, but he departed the role after just one year.
In May 2018, Grimshaw became the Radio 1 Breakfast Show’s second longest-running host in the programme’s history, taking over the previous record held by Tony Blackburn.