Presenters of BBC Morning Live opened the show with an emotional tribute to their colleague, Dr Punam Krishan, confirming her return to the studio following her battle with breast cancer.
On-Air Tribute From Co-Hosts
As the programme began on Monday, 5 January 2026, hosts Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton dedicated their opening words to their friend and resident doctor. This came after Dr Krishan courageously shared her diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday.
"Happy New Year to you all," Gethin began. "Now we wanted to start the show today by sending our loving thoughts to our colleague and friend, Dr Punam, who shared over the weekend that five months ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer."
He described the news as "a huge shock to all of us," emphasising that cancer does not discriminate. Helen Skelton then delivered the uplifting update, stating: "The good news is, after early detection, she has now had treatment and on Friday she's going to be joining us back where she belongs, in the studio."
Dr Krishan's Powerful Personal Revelation
The 42-year-old GP and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant revealed she received the devastating diagnosis five months prior. In her social media post, she included a photograph of herself in hospital and wrote candidly about the experience.
"I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer," she shared. "I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it's my reality." Dr Krishan, who has worked as a doctor for nearly two decades, admitted that nothing prepared her for being on the receiving end of such news.
She explained she had kept her treatment private to protect her energy and her children, supported by her husband, family, and a close circle of friends. She has now completed her treatment and is in a period of healing.
A Message on Early Detection and Health
In her statement, Dr Punam Krishan issued a vital public health message born from her personal ordeal. She stressed that she had no family history of the disease and was in good health, underscoring that cancer can affect anyone.
"What I've learned most is this: early detection saves lives," she wrote. "It saved mine. My story began with an unusual feeling - a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered."
She urged the public to know their own bodies, trust themselves, and act early if something feels wrong. Dr Krishan concluded that the experience had fundamentally changed her perspective, affirming that "your health is everything."
Her colleagues Gethin and Helen ended their tribute by sending their love directly to her, saying, "We know that, Punam, you are watching and we want you to know that we love you," before Gethin confirmed, "And we will see you on Friday!"
BBC Morning Live continues on weekdays at 9:30am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
