In a heartfelt moment during Sunday's broadcast, BBC Breakfast presenter Emma Vardy surprised viewers by announcing her departure from the show as she prepares for maternity leave. The 44-year-old journalist made the revelation during the closing moments of the February 1st edition of the popular morning programme, sharing the news directly with the audience.
Live On-Air Announcement
As the show approached its conclusion, Emma Vardy turned to the camera and declared: "Right well that's nearly it for us today. And my last show before mat leave! Bye!" Her co-presenter Roger Johnson immediately offered warm wishes, responding with "Enjoy, good luck!" before Emma reassured fans she would return, adding "I'll be back – see you."
Expanding Family
The announcement follows Emma's joyful revelation last October that she and her husband, football coach Aaron Adams, are expecting their second child. She shared the news through a charming social media video that revealed her growing baby bump, accompanied by the caption: "A piece of news... We're welcoming a new addition!! Thrilled and beyond excited. Little Jago is going to become a brother, and we can't wait for the next chapter."
Recent Departures From BBC Breakfast
Emma Vardy's temporary exit represents another significant change for the BBC Breakfast team this week. Just days earlier, veteran weather presenter Carol Kirkwood became emotional as she announced her departure from the BBC after an impressive quarter-century with the broadcaster.
The 63-year-old meteorologist, who joined the BBC family in 1998, fought back tears as she explained her decision to step down during a broadcast alongside presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent. "So, I'm going to be leaving – and it's really hard, really hard for me to say this because I love my job," she confessed. "I love all of you guys and my weather colleagues and of course all the viewers I've been so engaged with for many years... but it's great – I don't want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying, 'I can't reach the Northern Isles anymore!'"
Additional Changes To The Lineup
The programme has experienced further personnel changes recently, with presenter Ben Boulos also bidding farewell to BBC Breakfast last month. He described his time on the show as a "privilege" before moving on to new professional opportunities. These departures collectively represent a period of transition for the long-running morning news programme, which continues to air daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
Carol Kirkwood explained that her decision to leave allows her to spend more quality time with her husband Steve, following their Christmas wedding in 2023. She is scheduled to depart from the programme in August, marking the end of an era for one of British television's most recognisable weather presenters.
As Emma Vardy prepares to welcome her new addition to the family, BBC Breakfast viewers will undoubtedly miss her presence on their morning screens while looking forward to her eventual return following this exciting new chapter in her personal life.
