Matthew Kelly with Stars in Their Eyes winner Charles Ngandwe

Liz Dawn, Sally Lindsay and William Roache surprised Kelly by introducing highlights from his years on the show.

"We didn't want you to go without letting you know how much fun we have had over the last 11 years," said Dawn.

The series' live final was won by taxi driver Charles Ngandwe, who sang Old Man River in the style of Paul Robeson.

"You have been the most perfect host, and the best person to put people at ease," said Lindsay, who plays Coronation Street barmaid Shelley.

Dawn, who plays Vera Duckworth, said he was "the nicest, warmest man I have ever met", while Roache - aka Ken Barlow - said Kelly would be "very missed".

200 shows

At the end of the show, an emotional Kelly thanked contestants and everyone associated with the programme.

"I will see you around - that is a promise," he said.

The 53-year-old announced on Friday that he was leaving the show after nearly 200 editions to concentrate on his acting career.

The star won an Olivier best actor award for the London play Of Mice And Men.

Kelly was arrested last year as he came off stage from a pantomime in Birmingham over an allegation of abuse dating back to the 1970s.

After strenuously denying the allegations, he was cleared by police a month later.