BBC Morning Live viewers received a delightful surprise at the end of Thursday's broadcast, as the show confirmed the imminent return of a beloved presenter fresh from maternity leave.
On-Air Announcement Confirms Comeback
As the episode on Thursday, 8 January 2026 concluded, host Gethin Jones shared the welcome news with co-presenter Gaby Roslin and the audience. Jones, 47, revealed that the programme would return the following day with a familiar face back in the studio.
"We'll be back tomorrow at 9:30, I'll be here with Michelle Ackerley who is back from maternity leave," Jones announced, signalling the end of her break.
A Journey Through Pregnancy and Motherhood
Michelle Ackerley, 41, began her maternity leave in September before welcoming her baby daughter, Nala Lomani Ryan, in October. The presenter and her husband, Ben Ryan, announced the birth by posting a sweet photograph of their newborn online, captioning it: "Welcome to the world Nala Lomani Ryan. Our hearts couldn't be more full."
Ackerley first announced her pregnancy in May during an appearance on Morning Live, telling the studio audience, "I am four months pregnant!" She later described the news as something she "still can't quite believe," expressing her immense happiness.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing a New Chapter
Her journey to motherhood was not without its hurdles. In September, after updating her 27,100 followers throughout her pregnancy, Ackerley confirmed she was starting her leave, but revealed she had spent four days in hospital with labyrinthitis. She praised the midwives at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester for their support during the stressful time.
As 2025 drew to a close, the presenter shared a reflective post on social media, processing a year of profound change. "From discovering I was pregnant despite years of struggling with endometriosis, to navigating a pregnancy that was just as emotional as it was physical, and finally meeting baby Nala," she wrote, calling it a year of "growth, love, and learning."
Her return marks a new chapter, both for her family and for the BBC One and BBC iPlayer show, which continues on weekdays at 9:30am.
