Louise Minchin returns to BBC Breakfast a year and a half after exit as replacement missing

Louise Minchin bid an emotional farewell to BBC Breakfast, and her co-host Dan Walker, in September 2021 and was subsequently replaced by Sally Nugent.

The broadcaster and author returned to the BBC sofa to discuss her new book Fearless: Adventures with Extraordinary Women, on Wednesday.

When Louise stepped down from BBC Breakfast, Sally replaced the presenter and joined Dan on the sofa until he subsequently left the programme to join Channel 5.

Louise spoke to hosts Jon Kay and Nina Warhurst, who was stepping in for Sally on Wednesday, about her book that celebrates women's stories of being "courageous, brave and daring".

Jon and Nina asked Louise if she misses BBC Breakfast after hosting the show for 20 years.

Louise Minchin returned to the BBC Breakfast sofa (BBC)

"I miss you. I don't miss the 3.40am alarm call at all," the broadcaster and author replied.

Louise opened up on her time on BBC Breakfast in her new book as she slammed the programme for being "sexist".

The I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! star revealed she wasn't happy with never being given the opportunity to open the show or introduce a new segment, as this role was always given to her male co-host.

Louise wrote: "I had noticed that almost every day my male colleague was given the prestigious task of saying hello at the top of each hour, introducing the programme and doing the first interview.

"Why was I always the second person to speak, even though I was older and more experienced? What message did it send to our female viewers?"

Sally Nugent was missing from her usual spot alongside Jon (BBC)

Louise explained she confronted BBC bosses over her frustrations and admitted some were "receptive" to her ideas.

Louise added: "There it was age-old, systemic discrimination built into the fabric of the programme.

"He [the boss] never asked to see my notes and from that day it was set in stone: every other day, the woman on the sofa was allowed to lead the programme, to be in charge."

Since Louise's departure, Jon and Sally now present the show Mondays to Wednesdays while Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt take over until Saturday while several rotating hosts present on the final show of the week.

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