BBC Morning Live hosts Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton announced at the start of Friday's (July 10) programme that the show is taking a summer break and will not return for weeks.
Last Show Before Break
The presenters returned to the BBC studio on Friday to bring viewers up to date with the latest developments from around the country. They were joined by gardener Mark Lane, Rip Off Britain's Louise Minchin, Dr Punam Krishan, and lawyer Gary Rycroft. Strictly Come Dancing star Greg Rutherford also appeared for the Strictly Fitness segment.
At the start of the live programme, Gethin confirmed that Morning Live would be taking a break and wouldn't be back for a little while over the summer. Joking that he wasn't sat at the desk with his colleagues, Greg said: "What's this all about? It's the last show and I've been kicked out."
Replacement Programming
Gethin then shared: "Speaking of the summer holidays, we're gonna have a little break after today." It has not yet been confirmed when Morning Live will return to screens. From next week, the show will be replaced by new episodes of Animal Park, which will air directly after BBC Breakfast from 9.30am until 10.15am. The documentary series is also set to air from the following Monday (July 20).
Kate Humble and Ben Fogle will celebrate 25 years of Animal Park next week, revisiting memorable animal stories and their enduring friendship. New challenges include introducing hippo families, monitoring mischievous meerkats and a heartfelt anniversary surprise from the keepers, culminating in an emotional tribute at Longleat Safari Park. Across the week, Kate and Ben will welcome maned wolves to the park for the first time, while tensions rise among the pride following the death of lioness Malaika last year.
Recent Interruption for Sad News
The news of Morning Live's break comes after the show was interrupted this week for some "sad" death news. Thursday's (July 9) live show came to a brief halt during Dr Ranj Singh's health segment, as Gethin Jones announced the death of Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler. Gethin said: "Ranj, we'll come back to you in just a second to talk about insect bites. Just hearing some breaking news this morning. Singer Bonnie Tyler, known for hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart, has died at the age of 75."
The host then read out a statement from Bonnie's website, which read: "Bonnie's family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for." The statement continued: "We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy."
Morning Live airs weekdays on BBC One at 9.30am.
