BBC Breakfast presenter and journalist Louise Minchin has announced she is to leave the show later this year after almost 20 years.
Minchin first presented the show in 2001 and moved to Media City in Salford as a lead presenter in 2012.
During her time on BBC Breakfast, she has reported on global news stories including the last three general elections, Brexit, the worldwide Covid 19 pandemic, the Manchester Arena bombings and the aftermath of the Bataclan Theatre attacks, live from Paris.
In 2019 she fronted the programme’s Wake Up To Menopause campaign, and took up endurance sport after competing in a BBC Breakfast Christmas cycling challenge. She has gone on to compete internationally for the GB triathlon team in her age-group.
Speaking about her decision, Minchin said: “I have absolutely loved being part of the 6 million strong BBC Breakfast family but after nearly two decades presenting the programme, I have decided it is time I stopped setting my alarm for 0340 in the morning.
“I will take so many memories with me, including reporting on the shock and anguish of the Manchester Arena bombing; starting a national conversation about Menopause; and the life-changing moment I took part in the Breakfast Christmas Cycling Challenge which inspired my ongoing passion for endurance sport, which I will continue when I leave.
“A big thank you to everyone who has watched and supported me, I have loved it and I will miss you all.”
BBC Breakfast Editor, Richard Frediani said of Minchin: “We will miss her brilliant journalism, good humour and boundless energy. She has been a tremendous BBC Breakfast colleague on and off screen and will always be a friend to the team.”
