BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent has addressed her return to the programme after a weeks-long break, telling viewers it is "lovely to be back". The familiar face on the red sofa, who has been part of the show since 2021, had been absent for several weeks, prompting questions from viewers about her whereabouts.
Nugent rejoined co-host Jon Kay on Wednesday, May 13. During the broadcast, Kay turned to her between segments and said: "It's lovely to have you back!" Nugent replied: "It's so lovely to be back." Kay then mentioned that weather presenter Matt Taylor had a gift for her—a rainbow—as the programme moved to the daily weather report, with Taylor standing in front of a rainbow image.
Nugent also announced her return on social media, sharing a picture of herself in a car with the caption: "I'm back! Have I missed anything? See you tomorrow at 6." Fans flooded her with supportive messages, with one writing: "SALLY she's back," and another saying: "Good morning Sally."
Nugent joined the BBC Breakfast team in 2021 after working at BBC North West Tonight and BBC News. She replaced Louise Minchin and said at the time: "I'm absolutely thrilled to become the new presenter of BBC Breakfast and bring the nation the latest news, top entertainment guests and stories that matter every week. It's an honour to take the reins from Louise and be part of the UK's most watched breakfast show."
Viewers had expressed concern during her absence, with many questioning whether she had left the show. Comments on social media included: "No seriously where is Sally Nugent?" and "Where's Sally? Has she left?" The BBC later confirmed to The Daily Mirror that she was on annual leave and would return later that week.
Nugent tends to keep her private life out of the spotlight. Last year, she took a holiday and shared images on Instagram, writing: "I've been very lucky to have a proper break this summer. Something that rarely happens when you work in news. Thank you to everyone that made it possible." Fans responded positively, with one saying: "Looking fab as usual love the pics," and another: "You deserve the break but I missed you along with thousands of others I expect."
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
