BBC Breakfast host Rachel Burden has signed off from her final Sunday edition of the programme, ahead of a major scheduling shake-up driven by the BBC's cost-cutting measures. The broadcaster, who co-hosts the show alongside Roger Johnson, took to Instagram after the July 12 broadcast to express gratitude to viewers and the production team.
Last Sunday Show Before September Changes
Burden, 51, confirmed that the July 12 broadcast was her last Sunday appearance before the programme ceases to air on that day from September. The change, announced last month, is part of the new director general's plan to cut £80 million from programming across TV, radio, and news divisions. BBC Breakfast currently broadcasts seven days a week, but Sunday editions will be dropped as part of the savings.
Alongside behind-the-scenes photos from the show, including one with co-host Roger Johnson, Burden wrote: "This is my last Sunday on the @bbcbreakfast sofa before the schedule changes in September - no complaints there, we have to cut our cloth." She added: "But having done this for 10+ years, just wanted to say a massive thanks to the team who’ve worked through their Saturday nights to put the programme together, my Breakfast buddies Roger and @benthompsontv (among other lovely fellas who I’ve shared the sofa with) and of course the divine @fieldsofpoppys who puts me together most weeks. Thanks for watching. Here’s to a guaranteed Sunday lie-in."
Support from Colleagues and Viewers
Burden, who also co-presents the weekday breakfast show on BBC Radio 5 Live, received an outpouring of support from friends and viewers. Broadcaster Nicky Campbell commented: "You are brilliant," while BBC Radio 5 Live host Matt Chorley said: "What a shift. Enjoy the lie in x." One viewer wrote: "I’ll miss you Rachel. I love your naturalness.." Another posted: "Noooooo!! I didn’t realise it was your last one Rachel. Glad I got to share it with you though - whether it’s ont’telebox or over the airwaves you’re a joy to work with x." A third added: "Well done Rach! What a shift! You have been exemplary!"
Tribute to Dermot Murnaghan
During the same broadcast, Burden and Johnson paid tribute to former BBC Breakfast presenter Dermot Murnaghan, who died at the age of 68. Murnaghan, a familiar face on British television for more than 40 years, presented major news programmes including the ITV Evening News, BBC's News at Six and News at Ten, and BBC Breakfast from September 2002 to December 2007. He also hosted the quiz show Eggheads.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer last summer, Murnaghan became a vocal campaigner for greater awareness and early testing, encouraging men to get checked. The hosts spoke to Nick Owen via video link, who recently appeared on a podcast alongside Murnaghan and Nick Ridgman from Prostate Cancer UK. Johnson described Murnaghan's death as "incredibly sad news."
BBC Breakfast continues to air on BBC One from 6am and on BBC iPlayer.
