BBC Breakfast may be on early but those tuning in were quick to spot a subtle change to the show. Sally Nugent and Jon Kay were back at the helm of the BBC One news programme on Tuesday morning (January 15) - and it was a special occasion.
The hosting duo, who have been presenting the show together since Dan Walker's permanent departure last year, shared their memories of watching the first episode of the show's predecessor four decades ago. Tuesday morning's episode of BBC Breakfast marked the 40th anniversary of the programme – which launched as Breakfast Time on January 17, 1983.
When it first aired, Breakfast Time was revolutionary, mixing hard news with showbusiness, gossip, health and even a daily astrology segment. The presenters’ attire was also different, with cosy jumpers favoured over the more formal wear of modern BBC Breakfast hosts.
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"I can remember what I was doing," Sally said as she and Jon discussed the momentous occasion. "I was getting up, getting ready for school, put the TV on and couldn’t believe the news was on television. Because we’ve never had morning telly – telly started at lunchtime," Jon added before producing an old childhood diary, sharing his entry written on January 17 1983.
"I talked about what you tell me – having cornflakes, not quite believing this opportunity… and here we are today, 40 years on," he said. "Dear diary, I woke up at 6am to watch the most publicised and now criticised breakfast TV. It was good – but all news!" young Jon wrote.
Special guests on the anniversary show included former weatherman Francis Wilson and the so-called “Green Goddess” – health and fitness guru Diana Moran. One segment also featured videos sent in by viewers, wishing the programme happy birthday and telling stories of their experiences of waking up early to watch it.
However, viewers were commenting on social media as they spotted that Tuesday's show saw a return of the Breakfast Time on-screen analogue clock, and that Jon was using a special retro-branded mug.
@mark_karwowski tweeted: "Happy 40th anniversary to @BBCBreakfast! Celebrating by bringing back the retro clock on screen. A nostalgic nod to the show's impact on morning news. #BBCBreakfast." @Elizabeth241072 commented: "Love the old style clock on #BBCBreakfast - makes me feel I can kick back and make like it's 1984."
But @WlmWendy asked: "@BBCBreakfast What’s happened to the clock?! Why do we have that awful clock face? It’s just getting in the way… #BBCBreakfast." @NonsenseSeeker echoed: "whats the @BBCBreakfast clock all about its like watching 80s ITV. #BBCBreakfast."
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