The presenter has already worked on their final programme
Rachel Burden is leaving BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast star Rachel Burden has shared that she will no longer be working on the morning show each weekend after 10 years, due to cuts by the broadcaster. The 51-year-old presenter shared some behind-the-scenes snaps of her mucking around with co-stars to Instagram as she penned an emotional message to announce the huge change.
She explained: “This is my last Sunday on the @bbcbreakfast sofa before the schedule changes in September – no complaints there, we have to cut our cloth. 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 and @benthompsontv (among other lovely fellas who I’ve shared the sofa with) and of course the divine @fieldsofpoppys who puts me together most weeks. Thanks for watching. Here’s to a guaranteed Sunday lie-in.”
BBC co-star Nicky Campbell was one of the first to support her, as he wrote in the comments: “You are brilliant.” Meteorologist Matt Taylor added: “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”.
A fan commented: “On to new things I’m sure. As one door closes another always opens! You’ve been fabulous,” as another echoed: “Aww no! I love seeing you on there! Big shame but hope you’ll pop up elsewhere! Enjoy those lie-ins!”
The changes come as the Beeb’s new director general, former Google executive Matt Brittin, announced plans to cut £80 million from programming on TV, radio and news as part of huge cuts across the corporation.
Back in June, he said that the BBC must be “simpler and faster” going forward and try to avoid duplication.
Amongst the confirmed changes announced, BBC One’s Breakfast will no longer air on Sunday mornings from September while the production teams making Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and Newsnight will merge.
Radio 4’s The World Tonight will end from September, and the number of permanent presenters on Today will be cut from five to four with a single anchor on the show on Saturdays. World Tonight is being replaced by Newshour, and Breakfast on Sunday is being replaced by the BBC News Channel.
A total of between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to go across the British broadcaster in the coming months. This includes some 550 jobs in the BBC’s news and nations divisions.