BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt absent as Naga Munchetty gains new co-star in major shake-up
Charlie Stayt's absence from Thursday's edition of BBC Breakfast saw Ben Thompson stepping in to present alongside Naga Munchetty.
BBC Breakfast: Naga Munchetty introduces herself and Ben on Thursday's show
BBC Breakfast host Charlie Stayt was mysteriously absent from today’s morning’s broadcast. Ben Thompson was drafted in to replace the star and presented Thursday’s (March 18) headlines alongside Naga Munchetty.
Fans have become accustomed to Charlie, 61, manning the morning staple alongside co-host Naga, 49, every Thursday to Saturday. However, during today’s opening link, the latter revealed that Ben, 42, would be standing in for him.
It unfortunately wasn’t explained why Charlie was missing from BBC Breakfast nor was it referenced whether he would be returning to fulfil his duties later this week. The star has been a staple on the programme since initially joining as a relief presenter back in 2006.
A year later, he was confirmed as its permanent Friday-Sunday presenter and now presents the show Thursday-Saturday alongside Naga, 49. Outside of BBC Breakfast, Charlie has previously worked for Five News as well as Sky News.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that Charlie’s replacement, Ben, has appeared on BBC Breakfast this week. On Monday, he surprised fans by joining Sally Nugent on the sofa.
He was stepping in to replace Jon Kay, 54, who usually hosts from Monday to Wednesday alongside Sally, 52.
Much like Charlie’s absence, Jon’s leave was also left unexplained.
Ben has become somewhat of a go-to when it comes to presenter shake-ups, having also stepped in for Jon last Monday and Tuesday, too.
Following his latest stint, one viewer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to comment on Naga and Ben’s partnership.
They wrote: “Naga is so much more likeable with Ben ****#BBCBreakfast.”
A second typed: “Ben deserves a medal! #BBCBreakfast.”
Ben’s increasing frequency at the helm of BBC Breakfast comes after he recently took an extended month-long break in America.
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He returned to his job at the broadcaster in February and has since appeared on the likes of BBC News and the long-running breakfast news programme.
Following Ben’s recent stint on both shows, social media followers came out in their droves to support him.
One X user wrote: “Great to see you both on the red sofa this morning.”
Another said: “You’ve had a busy weekend!”
Tune into BBC Breakfast every morning from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
