BBC Breakfast viewers have flooded stand-in presenter Sarah Campbell with messages of support after she announced a short break from the show — with many fans urging bosses to hand her a permanent seat on the sofa.
Over the past month, Sarah has featured more prominently on BBC Breakfast as several of her fellow presenters have taken time off during the summer holidays. In her most recent Instagram post, Sarah took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the show as she heads off for a short break, and to confirm for fans when they can next expect to see her on screen.
Gratitude and a new look
Sharing a collection of behind-the-scenes snaps from the studio, Sarah wrote: "Thanks for having me over the past month, keeping the red sofa warm for Naga, Sally, and Nina. And thank you for all your lovely messages."
She added, "A new look for @bbcbreakfast and August drawing to a close seemed like a good excuse for a photo dump. Enjoy your Bank Holidays, and I will see you on the News Channel @bbcnews next week."
Fans call for a permanent role
Fellow presenter Ben Thompson was among those rushing to the comments section, writing: "Awwww this team!" while one devoted fan posted a fingers-crossed emoji alongside the words "Back soon," prompting Sarah to confirm: "Will be returning on a Sunday in September."
Numerous viewers went further, urging Sarah to be given a permanent presenting slot — a call that has taken on added significance following the news that Naga Munchetty will be leaving BBC Breakfast.
Naga Munchetty's departure
It was announced in July that Naga, who has been part of the BBC Breakfast presenting team for 17 years, will be departing the show to co-present the BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast programme from January 2027.
The news was broken on air by co-presenter Jon Kay, who told viewers: "Our friend and colleague Naga Munchetty has announced that she will be leaving BBC Breakfast to co-present the BBC 5 Live Breakfast Show from January next year." Sally Nugent added: "Naga has just shared the news with the current presenters Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards."
Naga herself spoke warmly of her decision to move on, saying: "I'm thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly."
She also paid tribute to her BBC Breakfast colleagues, adding: "It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends."
Viewers voice their preference
With a vacancy on the sofa now looming, many viewers have been vocal about who they would like to see fill it. One remarked, "You have an excellent on-screen rapport with Jon, Charlie, and Ben, and it would be lovely to see you as a permanent host either Monday-Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday."
BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One.
