Beloved BBC Breakfast star Rachel Burden announces exit after 11 years

BBC Breakfast star Rachel Burden has announced her exit from the programme after 11 years. From September, the show will no longer be broadcast on Sunday mornings due to schedule changes.

The 51-year-old presenter confirmed the news on Instagram on Sunday, sharing a series of behind-the-scenes photos and reflecting on her decade-plus tenure.

“This is my last Sunday on the @bbcbreakfast sofa before the schedule changes in September – no complaints there, we have to cut our cloth,” she began. 

Expressing gratitude for her colleagues, Rachel continued: “But having done this for 10+ years, just wanted to say a massive thanks to the team who’ve worked through their Saturday nights to put the programme together, my Breakfast buddies Roger [Johnson, presenter] and @benthompsontv (among other lovely fellas who I’ve shared the sofa with).”

The broadcaster also gave a shout-out to her “divine” make-up artist, Poppy Fields, who “puts me together most weeks”. 

Signing off the post, she added: “Thanks for watching. Here’s to a guaranteed Sunday lie-in.”

The announcement was met with an outpouring of affection from viewers, who praised Rachel’s “incredible warmth” and professionalism. One person wrote: “Will miss Sunday’s Breakfast. Incredible warmth and connection with your weekend viewers. Come back soon,” while another added: “Thank you for being so brilliant and ensuring a fab start to a Sunday.”

Colleagues also shared their well wishes, with weather presenter Matt Taylor writing: “Noooooo!! I didn’t realise it was your last one Rachel. Glad I got to share it with you though – whether it’s ont’telebox or over the airwaves you’re a joy to work with x,” while broadcaster Nicky Campbell added: “You are brilliant.”

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What are the BBC’s scheduling changes?

Last month, the BBC announced the first stage in its plan to save £500m across the corporation over the next two years, which involves 550 job cuts in news, nations and TV and radio content.

A number of radio shows will be axed. Radio 4’s The World Tonight will come off-air after 56 years, while the presenting team on the today show will be reduced from five to four from September, with a single anchor on Saturdays.

© BBC

A number of other Radio 4 programmes will end during the next year, including the Midnight News, Money Box Live, AntiSocial, The Law Show and Crossing Continents. On the World Service, The Inquiry, The Conversation and The Fifth Floor will end.

The production teams on Sunday with