BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay Navigates Emotional On-Air Farewell and Controversial Apology in Busy Week
LONDON, 29 January 2026 – BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay has fronted a programme dealing with significant on-air emotion and external controversy over the past week. Alongside co-host Sally Nugent, Kay presided over the emotional retirement announcement of long-serving weather presenter Carol Kirkwood and later introduced a segment on Holocaust Memorial Day that prompted a formal apology from the broadcaster.
An Emotional Farewell for a Breakfast Icon
The week began with a poignant moment for the BBC One morning show as veteran weather presenter Carol Kirkwood announced her retirement live on air. The 63-year-old, who has been with the BBC for 27 years, made the surprise announcement while sitting on the famous red sofa alongside hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent. Reports indicate the announcement left both viewers and Nugent in tears, marking the end of an era for the programme. Colleagues and bosses were said to be “devastated” by her decision to leave.
Controversy Over Holocaust Memorial Day Coverage
Later in the week, presenter Jon Kay found himself at the centre of a separate news story. On Tuesday morning, Kay delivered an introduction for a segment marking Holocaust Memorial Day. The wording of the introduction, which described the day without specifically identifying Jewish people as the primary victims of the Holocaust, drew immediate and sharp criticism. The BBC was subsequently forced to issue an apology for the “incorrect wording,” acknowledging the omission was “hurtful, disrespectful and wrong.” The incident sparked broader criticism of the corporation’s coverage of the solemn day.
Key Events of the Week
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Carol Kirkwood’s Retirement | Announced live on BBC Breakfast on 28 January. Kirkwood, a presenter for 27 years, gave an emotional farewell. |
| Holocaust Memorial Day Segment | Presenter Jon Kay introduced a segment on 27 January. The BBC later apologised for failing to mention Jewish victims specifically. |
| Programme Leadership | Jon Kay and Sally Nugent have been the main presenting duo for episodes covering these major stories this week. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Carol Kirkwood announce?
On 28 January, veteran BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood announced her retirement from the BBC after 27 years of service during an emotional live broadcast.
Why did the BBC apologise last week?
The BBC issued an apology after its Holocaust Memorial Day coverage, introduced by Jon Kay on BBC Breakfast, failed to specify that the six million victims of the Holocaust were Jewish. The corporation called the wording “incorrect.”
Who is presenting BBC Breakfast currently?
Jon Kay and Sally Nugent have been the lead presenting team on BBC Breakfast for the episodes covering these recent events, following Kay’s appointment as a main presenter in May 2022.