After almost 30 years together, legendary movie reviewers Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton have announced the final episode of their program At the Movies.

Margaret and David, whose on-screen partnership is legendary, came to the ABC in 2004 from SBS, where they had hosted The Movie Show for the previous 18 years.

Since their accidental pairing more than a quarter of a century ago, Margaret and David have grown to become Australia’s most admired and trusted movie reviewers.

Margaret was originally the executive producer of The Movie Show, but decided to become a co-host after not being able to find a suitable female host to star alongside David.

After turning 75 earlier this month, David said he was looking forward to “less pressure” in the years ahead.

“Most of all, working with Margaret, whose enthusiasm, commitment and passion has been amazing (and only occasionally irritating) has been a joy for over a quarter of a century,” David said.

Margaret, who said she was sad their “great innings” on the small screen was ending, paid tribute to “all our viewers and the fabulous teams we’ve worked with”, including the ABC and SBS.

“My gratitude goes to David who gave me credibility just by being prepared to sit by me and discuss film when I am just a film enthusiast, not the great walking encyclopaedia of film that he is,” she said.

“He’s a grand person, a most generous, decent man, even if a little stubborn at times.

“We’ve seen Australian films continue to mature over nearly three decades on air and I look forward to a continued involvement in this wonderful industry of ours which explores and reflects our culture and our peccadilloes.

“It’s been such a privilege to have been on the sidelines, witnessing the talent that this country produces in all areas of film production.

“I’m very sad to have to call an end to our show, it started out as a very fragile thing and only survived because there are enough lovers of film in this country to support a specific program about cinema. Thank you all.”