BBC Breakfast star breaks silence on absence as Ben Thompson hosts show alone

BBC Breakfast's Nina Warhust has taken a break from the show, leaving co-host Ben Thompson to present alone on Sunday (February 16).

The pair usually helm the morning news programme together every Sunday, but this week, Ben was seen solo on the iconic red sofa as Nina took some time off for half term with her family.

Although she hasn't officially commented on her absence, Nina shared a glimpse into her half-term activities on her Instagram Story on Saturday (February 15), posting a photo of her son enjoying the Horrible Histories tour at Manchester's Palace Theatre.

"Half term is GO with Terrible Tudors," she captioned the post. "It was gory, funny and pacey (crucially under 2 hrs all up)."

Nina began her career with BBC East Midlands regional news in 2010 before moving on to present BBC North West, Sunday Politics North West, and BBC Sport. She started reporting for BBC Breakfast in 2018 and took over from Steph McGovern as business presenter in 2020.

Nina often fills in for her BBC colleagues during the week. Earlier this week, she reported from London's Royal Free Hospital to examine how NHS pressures are affecting those on the front line, reports the Express.

The usual presenting line-up for BBC Breakfast sees Jon Kay and Sally Nugent hosting from Monday to Wednesday, with Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt taking the reins from Thursday to Saturday.

However, there have been some changes this week, with Ben stepping in for Charlie for four consecutive days, causing confusion among viewers. Charlie has not yet commented on his absence from the show.

On today's programme, Ben updated viewers on the latest headlines, including the detention of a British couple in Iran, a recent shooting incident in Kent, and the