BBC Breakfast has announced that John Kay will become the new face of the morning show from Monday to Wednesday, replacing Dan Walker.
Meanwhile, Victoria Derbyshire will join Newsnight as joint lead presenter, replacing Emily Maitlis who anchored the current affairs programme since 2006. Walker had been hosting the morning show since 2016.
Kay, 52, who starts his new role with immediate effect, said: “I’m over the moon to become the new regular presenter of BBC Breakfast and I’m looking forward to bringing our brilliant viewers the very latest news each morning alongside my good friend Sally (Nugent) and the rest of the team.
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“Sitting on the famous red sofa is a real privilege while covering the stories and issues that matter to our audience – home and abroad.” Kay began his career as a trainee reporter at the BBC, working at local radio stations.
He soon became a senior correspondent and presenter on BBC News - with some highlights of his 25-year career including being a presenter for Panorama, Crimewatch and BBC Radio 5 Live while also working at BBC Breakfast for more than eight years.
Meanwhile, Derbyshire, who joins Newsnight permanently in September, said: “I am so delighted to be joining the legend that is Kirsty Wark and the talented Newsnight team under new and ambitious leadership.
“This is a special opportunity to take on one of the best jobs in British journalism and help shape the programme’s future. I can’t wait to champion more stories about people’s lives while holding those who represent them to account.”
Newsnight editor Stewart Maclean says: “Victoria is one of the most tenacious journalists in the business, with a fantastic ability to ask the straightforward questions our viewers want answered, and a shelf-full of major awards for her work. We’re delighted she’s joining us on Newsnight as a lead presenter alongside Kirsty.
“It’s an exciting time for Newsnight, and Victoria and Kirsty will be a formidable partnership at the heart of our presenter line-up.”
Jonathan Munro, Interim Director of BBC News, said: “It’s fantastic to be appointing two such talented presenters to start and finish the day on two of our most important news programmes.
“Jon’s a hugely experienced journalist who’s established himself as a favourite with BBC Breakfast viewers, and Victoria’s a formidable interviewer with an amazing connection to her audiences. Congratulations to both of them.”
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