BBC Breakfast host Rachel Burden delivered a heartfelt farewell to viewers following the Sunday edition of the programme on July 12. Presenting alongside Roger Johnson, Burden used her final Sunday broadcast before a major BBC restructure to thank the team and fans for their support over more than a decade on the sofa.
Final Sunday Show Before BBC Restructure
Rachel fronted the programme on July 12 alongside Roger Johnson, bringing viewers the latest news and sport headlines. After the programme concluded, she turned to her official Instagram account to share a message with audiences. Burden highlighted that it had been her final show before a BBC restructure takes effect, meaning Breakfast – currently broadcasting seven days a week – will no longer be transmitted on Sundays.
The alteration was revealed last month, and BBC Breakfast is among the prominent programmes impacted after the new director general unveiled plans to slash £80 million from programming on TV, radio, and news as part of massive reductions across the corporation.
Rachel's Emotional Instagram Post
Accompanied by a collection of photographs from the show, including one of her and Roger from her final Sunday programme, Rachel – who also co-hosts BBC Radio 5 Live's weekday breakfast show – 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.
"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."
Viewers and Colleagues Show Support
Friends and viewers flocked to support the 51-year-old presenter. Broadcaster Nicky Campbell declared: "You are brilliant," while BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Matt Chorley remarked: "What a shift. Enjoy the lie in x."
One audience member wrote: "I'll miss you Rachel. I love your naturalness.." Another commented: "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." Another remarked: "Well done Rach! What a shift! You have been exemplary!" And a fourth noted: "Oh, will miss you! But enjoy your lie ins!" One added: "Truly going to miss you Rachel. You have been simply Amazing."
Tribute to Former Host Dermot Murnaghan
During Sunday's programme, Rachel and Roger honoured former host Dermot Murnaghan following his death at the age of 68. A recognisable figure on British television for over 40 years, Dermot fronted some of the country's most significant news broadcasts, including the ITV Evening News and the BBC's News at Six and News at Ten. He also fronted BBC Breakfast between September 2002 and December 2007 and had a stint presenting the beloved quiz programme, Eggheads.
Following his prostate cancer revelation last summer, Dermot utilised his profile to urge more men to seek screening, establishing himself as a passionate advocate for heightened awareness and early detection. The presenters chatted to Nick Owen via video link, who recently featured on a podcast with Dermot and Nick Ridgman from Prostate Cancer UK. Roger described Dermot's passing as "incredibly sad news."
Breakfast is on BBC One from 6am and BBC iPlayer.
