BBC Breakfast

BBC Breakfast announced the death of acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard at age 88, sharing tributes from King Charles and Queen Camilla

BBC Breakfast was paused as today’s presenter delivered devastating news of a death just minutes into the programme.

During Sunday’s (November 30) episode of the beloved breakfast show, hosts Rachel Burden and Ben Boulos were back on our screens delivering the day’s top headlines from Britain and around the world.

But mere moments into the broadcast, Rachel broke the news of Tom Stoppard‘s passing as she disclosed that the Royal Family were amongst the first to honour his memory.

The cherished playwright, who scooped an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Shakespeare In Love, was 88-years-old when he passed away.

Addressing audiences at home, Rachel announced: “The King and Queen have led tributes to the playwright Tom Stoppard, who has died at the age 88.”, reports the Express.

“They have described him as a ‘dear friend who wore his genius lightly’. Among the awards was an Oscar for the screenplay for the film Shakespeare in Love.”

The programme then switched to a dedicated tribute segment for the legend as entertainment correspondent Guy Lambert reflected on Tom’s extraordinary career.

Returning to the studio, Rachel noted: “Tributes have been pouring in to celebrate the life of Sir Tom Stoppard.”

Just before sharing the King and Queen’s complete statement, the television host remarked: “King Charles and Queen Camilla called him a dear friend.”

United Agents released a statement at the time, expressing: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved client and friend, Tom Stoppard, has died peacefully at home in Dorset, surrounded by his family.

“He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language. It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him.”

King Charles paid tribute, stating: “My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our greatest writers, Sir Tom Stoppard. A dear friend who wore his genius lightly, he could, and did, turn his pen to any subject, challenging, moving and inspiring his audiences, borne from his own personal history.

“We send our most heartfelt sympathy to his beloved family. Let us all take comfort in his immortal line: ‘Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else’.”

Sir Tom’s illustrious career in entertainment spanned over six decades, during which he bagged numerous Tony and Olivier awards, as well as the Golden Globe and Academy Award alongside Marc Norman for their 1998 screenplay Shakespeare In Love – featuring fellow Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow.

BBC Breakfast is broadcast daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.

BBC Breakfast host Jon Kay was forced to issue a warning to his co-star Carol Kirkwood live on air as he insisted that one guess could cause chaos in the studio

BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay issued an on-air warning to colleague Carol Kirkwood, suggesting one particular guess could spark mayhem in the studio.

During Tuesday’s (November 25) broadcast of the popular programme, the presenter was back on screens with co-host Sally Nugent, delivering the day’s major news stories from Britain and around the world.

The pair were later joined by Carol, who appeared in the studio for her regular weather update. However, as she wrapped up the day’s forecast, Jon highlighted that the team needed to stay alert for their next visitor.

They were preparing to welcome a “huge dog”, prompting him to advise his colleague to finish their breakfasts quickly to prevent the animal from nabbing it. Jon began by enquiring: “Have you got any toast or cereal?” Carol responded: “No but I could smell yours and it’s making me really hungry.

“We’ve been eating ours just now, getting it out of the way because there is a huge dog on the way in a moment,” Jon clarified, reports the Express.

Sally confirmed: “Huge.” Jon then stressed: “You have been warned.” Sally interjected: “We’ve just had to hide our breakfast.” The team erupted in laughter as Jon gestured to his stomach and quipped: “I’ve hidden it in here.”

The touching segment featured the presenters discussing ‘ hero dogs ‘ following an incident where one man’s four year old canine helped rescue his life.

Jon stated: “We’ve got an amazing story. Adam Cooke went into cardiac rest while he was asleep, it was the quick thinking of his four year old day Polly that helped save his life.”

Sally went on to say: “The beautiful Golden Retriever woke up Adam’s wife Hannah, who then carried out CPR before an ambulance arrived.”

The programme then transitioned to a pre-recorded segment of the couple and their dog, where they shared their emotional experience.

Adam and Hannah confessed that they believed Polly had sensed Adam’s severe illness and alerted them.

Clearly touched, Adam recounted the moment he was reunited with Polly after his hospital stay: “I’m not going to shy away from it. I cried and I think she cried too because she was like ‘wow you’re back home'”.

Hannah chimed in: “I love her to bits and I think she is the best dog in the world.”

BBC Breakfast is broadcast every day from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.

BBC Breakfast took a brief pause on Sunday morning for a ‘significant’ update

BBC Breakfast was briefly halted for a ‘significant’ update about the forthcoming budget during Sunday morning’s programme (November 23).

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to present the much-anticipated Autumn Budget on Wednesday, which might include manifesto-breaking tax hikes.

The Chancellor has previously promised that the new budget will “deliver on the priorities of the British people” by reducing NHS waiting lists, the national debt and the cost of living.

Although she has reportedly decided against raising income tax rates, there are rumours that she could announce an extended freeze on income tax and National Insurance thresholds, meaning more people would pay it as wages increase over time.

READ MORE: BBC Breakfast’s Simon King makes candid admission as he shares grim newsREAD MORE: BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty shares scary experience with ‘iconic’ toy

There might also be a new tax introduced on high-value homes, of which there are roughly 2.4 million in England. This could impact properties in council tax bands F, G and H, reports the Express.

Roger Johnson and Sarah Campbell were presenting BBC Breakfast today when the show took a brief pause.

“I’m not sure there’s ever a quiet week in politics these days but this week is particularly significant with the budget on Wednesday,” Sarah started.

She then handed over to Laura Kuenssberg who was ready in a separate studio to outline what was coming up on her Sunday morning politics show, momentarily interrupting BBC Breakfast’s schedule.

Speaking about the upcoming episode of Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Laura stated: “It really is, we are now just a few days away from Rachel Reeves’ huge moment in the House of Commons.

“A massive moment for the country, a massive moment for the economy and a massive moment for this government that has had such a turbulent few months.”

She continued: “This morning we’ll be giving you everything you need to know in the final days before the big moment itself.”

BBC Breakfast is broadcast daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.

BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty shared a rare family memory on Saturday morning as she warned weatherman Simon King about a popular Christmas gift.

Viewers watching BBC Breakfast on Saturday morning (November 22) got an unusual peek into Naga Munchetty’s childhood as she revealed a cautionary tale live on air.

Charlie Stayt was alongside Naga for presenting duties today, with the conversation quickly shifting to must-have Christmas presents from their younger days.

Charlie revealed that the BBC breakfast crew had been discussing “iconic” festive gifts, including items the team had desperately wanted but never received during their childhood.

“There are lots of people who will never forgive their parents for not giving them something that they really wanted,” he began, as Naga pushed him for his response.

“No, not me actually,” he clarified, before adding: “Though I did want an action man and it wasn’t allowed – but that was a very long time ago,” as giggles could be heard from the production team, reports the Express.

The presenting pair then turned to weatherman Simon King who revealed he had always longed for a slushie maker during his youth. However, Naga was swift to jump in with a cautionary message.

“My cousins had one,” she began. “And I was really envious of it.”

Carrying on with her story, she explained: “I’ll make you feel better. That product then, a long time ago, when you used to scrunch it because it was a slush-making machine, bits of plastic used to come out as well.

“So it was never very good, so you didn’t miss out,” she added, comforting her colleague.

A relieved-looking Simon responded: “Good, I’m glad for that thank you,” before returning his focus to the weather forecast.

BBC Breakfast is broadcast every day on BBC One and iPlayer starting at 6am.

BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt comforted a grieving guest on Saturday

BBC Breakfast shared tragic death news on Saturday (November 15) as a grieving mum “relives it every day”.

On today’s episode of the popular morning show, hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt kept viewers up-to-date with the latest news from across the UK and globally.

Joining them in the studio was Mike Bushell, who took charge of the sports segment, while Sarah Keith-Lucas provided regular weather updates throughout the programme.

Later on, Naga and Charlie shared the heart-wrenching story of 14-year-old Jacob Calland, who tragically lost his life earlier this year when his e-scooter collided with a car.

Jacob’s mum, Carly, has since initiated a campaign to alert other families about the potential dangers of e-scooters, reports the Express.

In a pre-recorded segment, Carly spoke about her campaign, stating: “The reason we’ve gone with empty chairs is because this Christmas, I am going to be sat at my Christmas table with an empty chair.

“The thought of that is hard, and I don’t want anyone else to have to sit with an empty chair at Christmas. My 14-year-old boy is not going to be with me this Christmas… I just want people to keep their families [close], because I’ve not got mine this year.”

While it’s legal to use an e-scooter through a rental scheme, riding private e-scooters on our roads is illegal, yet it happens frequently. Jacob’s mother isn’t campaigning for a ban, but she wants them to be regulated and made safer.

Carly made an appearance on BBC Breakfast, where she honoured her son by introducing his journey teddy bear.

“Jacob’s dream was to travel the world, so his ashes are inside the bear and he’s now travelling with us,” she shared.

“It’s comfort knowing that he’s by my side and I’m by his side, and we’re doing this journey together.”

Charlie then observed: “Whilst you’re obviously passionate and want to make change, that, in itself, can’t be easy because you’re having to relive something that is deeply, deeply painful.”

Carly continued: “I’m reliving it every day. The thing is for me, I like to turn my pain into Jacob’s power. I’m saving people’s lives. Every day I show up, every day I get through my days. It’s not easy. I do have bad days, but at the end of the day, Jacob’s legacy is going to save people’s lives.”

Naga consoled the mother by concluding: “You’re entitled to as many bad days as you like, may I say.”

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am

If you were affected by the issues raised in this story, organisations which can offer help include Child Bereavement UK and Sue Ryder

BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Sarah Campbell shared heartbreaking news on Tuesday

A BBC Breakfast star shared a devastating update after the tragic death of a “trailblazer” on Tuesday (November 11).

During today’s edition of the popular morning show, presenters Jon Kay and Sarah Campbell brought viewers the latest developments from across the UK and beyond.

They were accompanied in the studio by Emma Vardy, who delivered employment and salary updates, whilst Carol Kirkwood provided regular weather bulletins throughout the programme.

Later in the show, Jon and Sarah honoured Dorothy Lawrence, a journalist who masqueraded as a male soldier to reach the frontline during World War I.

“More than a century later, she’s finally received a headstone at her grave in North London,” Jon disclosed, before a moving segment was broadcast, reports the Express.

“Dorothy Lawrence wasn’t just forgotten about. A journalist determined to report from the trenches during the First World War, she was arrested, silenced and committed to an asylum for almost 40 years,” correspondent Tim Muffett revealed.

“During the First World War, women were not allowed to report from the frontline.”

Nevertheless, Dorothy was determined to alter that situation. She purchased a bicycle and travelled across the Channel, befriending British troops during her journey.

The journalist concluded that the only method she’d successfully reach the Western Front was to disguise herself as a man. After a gruelling ten-day stint in the trenches, Dorothy fell “very ill” and was forced to reveal her true identity.

She was promptly arrested, shipped back to Britain and instructed to keep quiet about her experiences until after the war.

“She was gagged until the end of the Armistice, and in 1925, she was put in an asylum, deemed mad, and died there in 1964. That’s not right. I think that’s terrible,” said army veteran Steve Davies.

Dorothy was laid to rest in an unmarked pauper’s grave in what is now New Southgate Cemetery & Crematorium in North London, one of over 40 owned and operated by Westerleigh Group.

Since then, Dorothy’s grave has been restored, with a special ceremony held to pay tribute to the journalist and officially unveil her headstone. As part of this project, Dorothy’s relatives were traced.

“She’s a trailblazer, isn’t she? Frontline female journalist, brave. 40 years confined to a lunatic asylum and died there unrecognised and unknown, no visitors. Very sad and this will make up for it, I hope,” expressed Dorothy’s great niece, Gill Barber.

Former Royal Engineer Angus Donaldson chimed in: “Amazing. She went to extremes to do what she did. We are eternally grateful for her service,” while Cliff Belsey concluded: “[She was] a very brave lady. Great respect… Very emotional and extraordinary.”

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am

BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent shared a devastating news update on Monday

A BBC Breakfast star issued a “danger” warning as tragic news was confirmed on Monday (November 10).

During today’s edition of the hit morning programme, presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay brought viewers the latest headlines from Britain and beyond.

Sports updates came from Jane Dougall in the studio, whilst Carol Kirkwood provided weather forecasts throughout the broadcast.

At the start of the show, Sally revealed that a typhoon had struck the Philippines, forcing one million residents to flee their homes. Tragically, two people have lost their lives.

“A powerful typhoon which struck the Philippines has now passed into the South China Sea, leaving at least two people dead and causing widespread flooding,” Sally announced, reports the Express.

“Typhoon Fung-wong hit the country’s east coast last night as a super typhoon, with winds reaching speeds of 143 mph. Nearly one million people were evacuated after warnings of a high risk of threat to life.”

BBC correspondent Jonathan Head highlighted the alarming situation in a pre-recorded report from Cabanatuan City in the Philippines.

“Well, the storm has actually long since passed but, as you can see, it’s still raining very heavily,” he said.

“The big concern for this community, and so many others that are low-lying in the Philippines, is actually these water levels are now rising very fast. That’s because the huge amounts of rain that were dumped by the typhoon have collected on the mountains, and they have soaked the terrain there.

“They’re filling up the rivers and that water is feeding down to cities like this one lower down.”

Jonathan continued: “We’ve really watched this water come up and we see people wading into their houses, retrieving possessions, furniture, pets as well.

“They now realise that even people who might have a second floor, this water might rise that high. It’s an illustration of the many different, unpredictable risks that come with typhoons.

“The challenge initially was to protect people from the ferocity of the storm as it passed through this area… There’s a lot of clearing up to do, but these rising water levels are a real concern.”

The correspondent concluded: “[Although] this typhoon appears to have left the country far less damaged than expected, there are still dangers that it has left behind.”

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am

BBC Breakfast presenters paid tribute to Quentin Willson after the former Top Gear host and Strictly Come Dancing star died at the age of 68.

BBC Breakfast hosts Roger Johnson and Emma Vardy honoured former Top Gear presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Quentin Willson this morning (Sunday, 9 November).

Willson, who co-presented the BBC motoring show from 1991 to 2001 before the era of Jeremy Clarkson and James May, passed away on Saturday aged 68.

His relatives announced his death in a statement, following his fight against lung cancer.

They called him a “national treasure” and “true consumer champion”, stating: “Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.”

The statement added: “The void he has left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach,” reports the Express.

Besides serving as Top Gear’s used car specialist, and working as an campaigner and electric vehicle supporter, Willson appeared on Strictly in 2004.

He created history on the programme when his Cha Cha Cha with partner Hazel Newberry received the lowest score ever awarded by judges on the show, at just eight points.

He subsequently remarked he was “very proud” of it, acknowledging his poor dancing ability and saying: “I ‘m very proud to have the lowest recorded score on Strictly Come Dancing. Builders ran up to me to shake my hand because I failed so badly. I tried, but I was the dancing equivalent of a JCB.”

BBC Breakfast presenters paid tribute to Willson this morning, with Roger stating: “Jeremy Clarkson and James May have lead tributes to the former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson, who has died from lung cancer at the age of 68. His family said that he brought the joy of motoring into people’s living rooms.”

Reporter Graham Satchell said: “Quentin Willson’s presenting style on Top Gear was unforgettable. Direct, forthright, with a wry sense of humour.

“After Top Gear, Willson began campaigning to reduce the amount of tax that motorists paid on fuel, and then to try and make electric cars more affordable.

“He holds the ignominious record of having the lowest ever score on Strictly, 8 out of 40, his performance described as a Robin Reliant trying to make love to a Ferrari.

“Willson loved it, it was important, he said, for people in the public eye to make fun of themselves.

“The car was his first and last love, he named his daughters Mercedes and Mini.”

Satchell continued: “Tonight Quentin Willson’s family said the void he left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived, a library of experience, now beyond our reach.”

The tributes follow heartfelt words from James May and Jeremy Clarkson, who wrote: ” I’m far away so I’ve only just heard that Quentin Willson has died. We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.”

May commented on X: “Quentin Wilson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it. Great bloke.”

BBC Breakfast airs from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.