Louise Minchin quits BBC Breakfast after nearly 20 years

BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin announced today that she is leaving the programme after almost 20 years on the red sofa.

The 52-year-old host first presented the show in 2001 in London before moving to Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester, as a lead presenter in 2012.

Mrs Minchin, who will leave later this year, said she had ‘decided it is time I stopped setting my alarm for 3:40 in the morning’ but will ‘take so many memories with me’.

Among the major stories she has reported on from the last two decades have been the last three general elections, Brexit and the Manchester Arena bombings.

Mrs Minchin also covered the aftermath of the Bataclan Theatre attacks, live from Paris, and fronted the programme’s Wake Up To Menopause campaign in 2019.

Other highlights include interviewing Kate Middleton, Sir David Attenborough, Billie Eilish, Jeff Goldblum, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Joanna Lumley.

BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin announced today that she is leaving the programme

Mrs Minchin said: ‘I have absolutely loved being part of the 6 million strong BBC Breakfast family but after nearly two decades presenting the programme, I have decided it is time I stopped setting my alarm for 0340 in the morning.

‘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.’

She took up endurance sport after competing in a the cycling challenge, and has gone onto compete internationally for the GB triathlon team in her age group.

She tweeted a selfie before today’s show, saying her suit was ‘chosen to match the sunshine’

Her BBC Breakfast co-host Dan Walker tweeted a message of support after the announcement

Her BBC Breakfast co-host Dan Walker tweeted: “As with everything she does… Louise announces her departure from the show with dignity and class.

‘We will all miss her enormously at BBC Breakfast. She is not only wonderful at her job… she is a great friend. Enjoy your lie-ins, @louiseminchin.’ 

BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani said: ‘Millions of viewers have regularly woken up with Louise for 20 years and welcomed her and BBC Breakfast into their homes.

‘We will miss her brilliant journalism, good humour and boundless energy. She has been a tremendous BBC Breakfast colleague on and off screen and will always be a friend to the team.’