Sally Nugent has been announced as the new regular presenter on BBC Breakfast, taking over from Louise Minchin.
The 50-year-old journalist and newsreader will appear on the flagship morning programme from Monday to Wednesday, alongside Dan Walker, Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt.
She has been filling in for BBC Breakfast’s regular hosts on a freelance basis since November 2011 and also presents its sports bulletins.
Nugent said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to become the new presenter of BBC Breakfast and bring the nation the latest news, top entertainment guests and stories that matter every week.
“It’s an honour to take the reins from Louise and be part of the UK’s most-watched breakfast show.”
Born in Birkenhead, Nugent started her career at BBC Radio Merseyside and also previously worked at BBC North West Tonight and BBC News.
Last year, she followed footballer Marcus Rashford, 23, as he sought to end child poverty in the UK, winning scoop of the year at the 2021 Royal Television Society Journalism Awards for her work.
Her other notable stories include interviewing former rugby player Mike Tindall after his father developed Parkinson’s disease, and covering fellow rugby star Rob Burrow’s journey following a motor neurone disease diagnosis.
Walker, who is competing in Strictly Come Dancing, hailed his new co-host in a post on Twitter as a “brilliant presenter” and “great friend”.
He said: “I am so happy for @sallynugent. She is a brilliant presenter, massively popular with the team, an excellent journalist and a great friend.
“Hopefully we’ll have many happy years on the #BBCBreakfast sofa together. Oh… and she’s coming to #Strictly this weekend.”
YES!!! Totally the right choice! Such a brilliant journalist/presenter and all round fab lass. #proudfriend https://t.co/mRHsagBVSx
— Steph McGovern (@StephLunch) October 27, 2021
Munchetty also celebrated the announcement, sharing a message from the official BBC Breakfast Twitter account which said: “We are pleased to announce Sally Nugent will permanently join #BBCBreakfast as a Presenter.”
Former Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern tweeted: “YES!!! Totally the right choice! Such a brilliant journalist/presenter and all round fab lass. #proudfriend”
Minchin, 53, announced in June that she was stepping back from the show after nearly 20 years.
She first appeared on the broadcaster’s flagship morning show in 2001 and moved with its red sofa to Media City in Salford as a lead presenter in 2012.
Minchin was joined by her father Patrick, husband David, celebrity friends and colleagues for her final broadcast in September.
The editor of BBC Breakfast, Richard Frediani, said: “Sally has an impressive track record as an award-winning broadcast journalist and has secured a series of high-profile exclusive interviews in recent years.
“We are delighted to have her take her new permanent place in the studio alongside Dan, Charlie and Naga.”