Entertainment
Louise Minchin quits BBC Breakfast after 20 years
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Louise Minchin is leaving BBC Breakfast after over 20 years on the news programme.
The presenter confirmed that she is stepping down on this morning’s edition of the show, saying: ‘I have decided it is time I stopped setting my alarm for 3.40 in the morning.’
After ‘taking a deep breath’, Louise told viewers: ‘This year, it will be 20 years since I first presented this programme. Since then I felt part of a huge 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. You know about the but. I have decided that is time that I stopped setting my alarm for 3.40 – sometimes when I’m feeling really rebellious, 3.46 – in the morning, and I’m going to be leaving the programme.’
Louise said her departure would ‘not be for a while’, and thanked the viewers for their loyalty.
After her announcement, Louise and Dan Walker were joined by actor Stephen Graham, who said he was ‘devastated’ to hear of her departure.
Speaking over video call, he said: ‘Louise, I’m devastated you’re leaving by the way. Honest to god, you’ve been a stalwart for the past 20 years, it has been lovely waking up with you in the morning and receiving our news from you. It’s been lovely. You’re a consummate professional and you’re amazing at your job. You’re wonderful, you brighten up the day.’
Louise joked that the good news was that she could now stay up late to watch some of Stephen’s programmes.
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani was among the first to pay tribute to the departing presenter, tweeting: ‘Millions of viewers have woken up with
@louiseminchin for 20 years and welcomed her and #BBCBreakfast into their homes.
‘We will miss her brilliant journalism, good humour and boundless energy. She will always be a friend to the entire team after she leaves later this year.’
Her co-host Dan Walker added: ‘As with everything she does… Louise announces her departure from the show with dignity and class.
‘We will all miss her enormously at #BBCBreakfast. She is not only wonderful at her job… she is a great friend. Enjoy your lie-ins @louiseminchin.’
Louise, 52, began working for the BBC in the 90s, presenting programmes on Radio 5 Live before joining the BBC News Channel as a regular presenter.
She first presented BBC Breakfast in 2001, and In late 2011, it was announced that she would replace Sian Williams as one of BBC Breakfast’s main presenters alongside Bill Turnbull and Charlie Stayt when the programme moved to Salford, with the first edition airing in April 2012.
The mother-of-two has also covered presenting duties on The One Show and BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours.
It is expected that the journalist will leave BBC Breakfast after the summer.
Louise said: ‘I will take so many memories with me, including reporting on the shock and anguish of the Manchester Arena bombing; starting a national conversation about Menopause; and the life-changing moment I took part in the Breakfast Christmas Cycling Challenge which inspired my ongoing passion for endurance sport, which I will continue when I leave. A big thank you to everyone who has watched and supported me, I have loved it and I will miss you all.’
MORE : Rick and Morty movie ‘will happen’ confirms producer as fans impatiently wait for season 5
