BBC Breakfast viewers tuned in on Thursday morning to see a red sofa looking a little different than usual as Charlie Stayt was missing from the show.
The journalist, who usually co-hosts the program with Naga Munchetty from Thursday to Saturday, was also absent from last week’s Friday and Saturday episodes, with Ben Thompson replacing him on both occasions.
© BBCBen Thompson replaced Charlie Stayt on Thursday
Ben often gets up for the main hosts when they are away from the sofa. He is also a familiar face to viewers on BBC News, where he hosts the channel’s daily business programme, Live business.
Taking to Twitter, now X, one viewer asked when Charlie would return to the series, writing: “@BenThompsonTV @TVNaga01 When is Charlie coming back to @BBCBreakfast?”
© BBCCharlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty usually host the show from Thursday to Saturday
Although neither Naga nor Ben have explained Charlie’s absence, it’s possible he’s simply taking some time off.
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BBC Breakfast star Jon Kay talks absence as he teases an upcoming project outside the studioCharlie is not the only star who has been absent from the show recently. Weather anchor Carol Kirkwood has been absent from her usual spot on the program since last week, with Matt Taylor filling in for the most part.
The line-up of BBC Breakfast presenters
© BBC
- Charlie Stayt The journalist joined BBC Breakfast back in 2006 and now co-hosts the show with Naga Munchetty from Thursday to Saturday. Before joining the BBC, Charlie was the main presenter of Five News, leading coverage of 9/11 and the Millennium celebrations.
- Naga Munchetty The presenter joined the line-up of main presenters in 2014. Before landing the role on BBC Breakfast, she appeared on BBC World News as well as BBC Two’s financial affairs programme, Working Lunch.
- Sally Nugent Sally is the show’s main presenter from 2021, replacing Louise Minchin following her departure after 20 years. Sally previously worked as a sports presenter on the show and covered various major sporting events for the BBC, including Emma Raducana’s historic win at the 2021 US Open tennis.
- Jon Kay Newsreader and journalist takes over from Dan Walker following his departure in 2022. He previously worked as a correspondent for BBC News at Six covering major events such as the 2012 London Olympics and the 2015 General Election campaign.
- Carol KirkwoodCarol is the main weather forecaster and has been waking up the nation with weather forecasts on the BBC for 30 years.
- Nina WarhurstNina is the show’s chief business executive, having taken over from Steph McGovern in 2020. She often comes as host on the red sofa when the main hosts are away.
- Ben ThompsonBen is a co-host and regularly fills in for the main hosts when they are away from the red sofa. It can also be seen on BBC News.
- John WatsonJohn is a sports presenter and has worked for the BBC since 2012, providing viewers with all the latest sports news and stories.
Carol’s absence comes just weeks before the presenter embarks on a four-day steam train journey through her native Scotland. The 61-year-old will be joined by fans as she travels through the Scottish Highlands, from the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, to the Atlantic shores next to Loch Nevis.
© BBCCarol Kirkwood has been off since last week
The trip also includes a visit to the castle, three boat rides, as well as a trip on the Falkirk Wheel. Carol is expected to give a speech about her love of Scotland and growing up in Morar. He will also touch on his career and his experience Strictly, with a question and answer session also on offer.
During her absence from BBC BreakfastCarol is no doubt enjoying spending quality time with her fiance Steve Randall, who popped the question last year.
MORE: Carol Kirkwood’s home life away from BBC Breakfast cameras
MORE: Everything you need to know about Breakfast host Charlie Stayt’s wife and kids
Carol shared a special live post BBC Breakfast in May last year. Watch the clip below.
WATCH: Carol Kirkwood confirms engagement live on BBC Breakfast
Describing their beautiful engagement during an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Carol said: “It was a beautiful, sunny day and we went on a picnic together, we were sitting by the river, watching the boats go by. I turned around and said, ‘What’s wrong with okay?’ He got down on one knee and proposed to me. At first I thought he was joking, but he said, ‘No, no, I really mean it, will you marry me?’ I said, ‘Yes!! Of course!'”
© Can Nguyen/Shutterstock Carol is engaged to ex-cop Steve Randall
The couple first met when Carol was in her 50s and were friends at first before things turned romantic. “It was beautiful because it just happened,” she told Closer magazine, adding: “None of us were looking for romance and there it is, it’s just developing. It’s so beautiful. Who would have said that at this ripe age of the year, I’d do it again married? I’m sure not.”
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education