BBC presenter Samira Ahmed has bid a festive farewell to viewers as the corporation's feedback programme, Newswatch, aired its final episode of 2025 before a two-week Christmas hiatus. The broadcast followed a weekend marred by technical problems that initially prevented the segment from airing.
A Different Finale for the Year
During the most recent edition of BBC Breakfast, presented by Roger Johnson and Emma Vardy, the schedule was adjusted to include the Newswatch segment, which normally airs on Saturdays. Host Samira Ahmed opened the feature by informing the audience that this instalment would be "something a little different for our last show of the year."
Typically, Newswatch is dedicated to presenting viewer critiques of the BBC's news coverage. However, in a departure from this format, Ahmed explained the final episode of 2025 would instead focus on what the public had admired about the corporation's journalism over the past twelve months.
Praise and Technical Difficulties
The programme featured video messages and comments from viewers applauding specific aspects of the BBC's news output. Ahmed also conducted interviews with BBC correspondents Henry Zeffman and Lyse Doucet as part of the reflective episode.
As the show drew to a close, Ahmed confirmed the extended break, stating: "Well, we're off air now for the next two weeks. But do continue to send us your thoughts on how the BBC covers the news and join us again in the New Year. Goodbye and until then, Happy Christmas."
This final broadcast came after a technical glitch on Saturday, 20 December 2025, which caused the Newswatch segment to fail during its scheduled slot on BBC Breakfast. The official Newswatch account on X issued an apology, noting a "faulty version" of the programme had also briefly appeared on BBC iPlayer.
Viewer Reaction to the Format Change
Despite the positive focus of the episode, some viewers expressed criticism of the format change on social media. One commenter remarked on the self-referential nature, writing: "The BBC thanking and congratulating the BBC for the BBC, via Newswatch for and on behalf of the BBC. Sums it up perfectly!!!!"
Another viewer quipped: "Funny how they all turn up for praise," while a third added: "Oh, this is hilarious. #Newswatch spending an entire programme telling everyone how great #bbcnews is, and how wonderful the presenters all are!"
Prior to the successful broadcast of the final episode, the Newswatch team acknowledged the prior delay online, confirming that Samira Ahmed would be appearing with Henry Zeffman and Lyse Doucet. BBC Breakfast is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
