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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

BBC Breakfast's Jon Kay faces setback as he misses first show as official Dan Walker replacement

Jon Kay faced a bit of a setback as he was forced to miss BBC Breakfast. The presenter was nowhere to be seen on Monday's show (July 11), not long after being announced as one of the programme's main presenters.

While already a familiar face to viewers of the daily news show, it was announced on Friday (July 8) that Jon will become the new regular presenter on BBC Breakfast from Monday to Wednesday.

He replaces Dan Walker, who had hosted the morning show since 2016 up until earlier this year when he quit the BBC programme to join a new-look 5 news on Channel 5 in place of Sian Williams. It was confirmed that Hull-born Jon, 52, would start his new role with immediate effect.

READ MORE: Lorraine Kelly forced off ITV show as she's replaced by Carol Vorderman

He said in a statement: "I’m over the moon to become the new regular presenter of BBC Breakfast and I’m looking forward to bringing our brilliant viewers the very latest news each morning alongside my good friend Sally (Nugent) and the rest of the team. Sitting on the famous red sofa is a real privilege while covering the stories and issues that matter to our audience – home and abroad."

But Jon's official debut in his new role was scuppered after he caught Covid. Jon tweeted a photo of a positive lateral flow test, along with the caption: "Aaaagh! Finally got me. Gutted not to be able to start the new job officially @BBCBreakfast on Monday. I guess working from home isn't really an option @BBCFrediani?"

His predecessor Dan was among those to reply, writing: "Oh no Jon! Hope you feel ok." Nina Warhurst filled in for Jon alongside regular host Sally Nugent.

Jon was officially announced as Dan Walker's replacement (BBC)

Jon started his career as a trainee reporter at the BBC working at local radio stations before becoming a senior correspondent and presenter on BBC News. During his 25-year career he has presented Panorama, Crimewatch and BBC Radio 5 Live and has been part of the BBC Breakfast team for more than eight years.

And he wasn't the only one forced out of his TV job on Monday morning. Lorraine Kelly has been forced off her self-titled ITV programme for a few days and replaced by Carol Vorderman. The Scottish TV star was last seen hosting her Lorraine show on Friday (July 8).

Lorraine tweeted to confirm her absence is due to Covid. She wrote: "Well the Covid has finally got me and I tested positive at the weekend. Thanks to the vaccine it’s not too bad and I hope to be back at work very soon." She added: "Huge thanks to @carolvorders who will be hosting @lorraine until I’m back."

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