Louise Minchin is leaving BBC Breakfast this week after almost 20 years on the popular morning news show.
She first joined the BBC in 2001 as a freelance presenter and journalist, before replacing Sian Williams as a regular anchor in 2006.
Since then, the BBC journalist has been a regular fixture on the iconic red sofa, and currently co-hosts alongside fellow broadcaster Dan Walker three days a week.
So why is Louise Minchin leaving BBC Breakfast and who is in the running to take her place? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of her final show later this week.
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Why is Louise Minchin leaving BBC Breakfast?
The long-serving presenter announced her exit with an emotional statement live on air back in June, telling viewers “Let me take a deep breath, everybody there is something I want to tell you about.
“It will be this year 20 years since I first presented this programme.
“Since then I’ve felt part of a huge, enormous BBC Breakfast family which includes everyone who works here, everyone on the team and every one of you who watches the programme.
“I’ve loved being part of it, but - there is a but - I’ve decided that it is time that I stop setting my alarm for 3.40 - sometimes if I’m feeling really rebellious 3.46 in the morning - and I’m going to be leaving the programme.
“It’s not going to be for a while,” she continued. “But before anything else, I wanted to thank everybody who is watching for your loyalty and support over all these years.
“I have absolutely loved being part of it and I will really miss it but it’s time now to stop that alarm early in the morning. Thank you for watching all these years.”
Who is replacing Louise Minchin on BBC Breakfast?
Though Louise’s BBC Breakfast replacement has not yet been confirmed, there is already plenty of speculation surrounding who might take over her presenting role.
Sally Nugent, who serves as the show’s main relief presenter, is currently tipped to replace Louise, having previously filled in for her in December 2020.
Piers Morgan , Kay Burley, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford are also among the favourites to join the BBC show.
The BBC also recently advertised a job vacancy for a chief presenter on BBC Breakfast on their careers website , stating they were looking for someone to “work with Dan Walker, Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt on the UK’s most-watched morning show”.
The closing date for applications was September 12, so it could be a while until Louise’s permanent replacement is announced.
When is Louise Minchin’s final BBC Breakfast show?
Louise Minchin will make her final BBC Breakfast appearance tomorrow, Wednesday, September 15, almost 20 years after she first started working on the show.
BBC Breakfast airs on weekdays on BBC One from 6am.
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