BBC Breakfast underwent a major presenter shake-up on Tuesday (January 4), as Dan Walker was absent from the programme once again.
He usually sits alongside his permanent partner Sally Nugent from Monday to Wednesday each week, but has been replaced by BBC regular Ben Thompson this week after a string of absences from the show.
Sally, however, was in her usual spot on the sofa next to business expert Ben.
Things got even more confusing for fans after Ben formally announced his exit from BBC Breakfast back in December, leaving them baffled as to why he is still working on the show.
After 10 years of working on BBC Breakfast, Ben announced: “I’m hanging up my @BBCBreakfast hard hat and hi-vis in the New Year, so here’s a little thread of some of my ten years on the road, getting access to some of the most interesting and amazing businesses, and taking you with us.
(Image: BBC)
“Starting out was terrifying but I quickly learned that you’re in safe hands with the brilliant @BBCBreakfast team. We moved from Television Centre in London to MediaCity in Salford in 2012.
“Here’s how it – and I – looked in 2011, in the much-missed, now demolished TC7…”
He added a string of his highlights to his social media post, leaving fans devastated to hear the news – but said he would be moving back to global channel BBC World.
Ben concluded: “We’ve travelled all over: factories, offices, farms, warehouses, depots, shops, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, railway stations, airports, and lots and lots of rooftops.
(Image: BBC)
“(And for those who often ask why we’re ‘stuck outside’, TV is about showing you stuff, otherwise it’s radio).
“Thank you to everyone running a business, big or small, for letting us in, letting us poke around and ask questions. I’m in awe of how resilient and determined you are. You just crack on.”
And now baffled fans have turned to social media to query his continued appearance on the programme, as one posted: “I thought you were leaving, why wasn’t Dan in today?”
Another fan was clearly enjoying the shake-up, as they cheekily penned: “Much prefer this Ben and Sally combo… (No offence Dan… giggle)”.
(Image: PA)
Someone else posted: “Hoping to see more of Ben on the sofa!”
“You were good this morning Ben, you should be there more often,” another begged.
It’s not the first time Ben has presented the show in recent weeks, because he had been hosting with Katherine Downes on New Year’s Eve before he was replaced with political correspondent Chris Mason.
The revolving door of presenters at the moment appears to be due to holidays leaking over from the Christmas and New Year period – and after a jam-packed year, Dan likely needs the break.
He posted a sweet 2021 round-up on social media, writing: “2021: A year dominated by covid. In my world, a 12 year stint on Focus ended.
“@louiseminchin left #BBCBreakfast, was replaced by the equally brilliant @sallynugent & @NadiyaBychkova taught me to dance.
“Thanks for all the support & encouragement along the way #HAPPYNEWYEAR!”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
