THE BBC has announced a ‘formidable’ new Newsnight presenter – and she’s a TV legend.
Not only did the BBC finally confirm that Jon Kay would be Dan Walker’s replacement today, but it also revealed how Victoria Derbyshire will become joint lead presenter on Newsnight.
Victoria, 53, will start her permanent role alongside Kirsty Wark in September, and said: “I am so delighted to be joining the legend that is Kirsty Wark and the talented Newsnight team under new and ambitious leadership.
“This is a special opportunity to take on one of the best jobs in British journalism and help shape the programme’s future.
“I can’t wait to champion more stories about people’s lives while holding those who represent them to account.”
Victoria has been a guest host of the show before, and her appointment comes two years after her self-titled BBC current affairs show was cancelled in January 2020.
Jonathan Munro, Interim Director of BBC News, said of the two new appointments: “It’s fantastic to be appointing two such talented presenters to start and finish the day on two of our most important news programmes.
“Jon’s a hugely experienced journalist who’s established himself as a favourite with BBC Breakfast viewers, and Victoria’s a formidable interviewer with an amazing connection to her audiences. Congratulations to both of them.”
Meanwhile Newsnight editor Stewart Maclean said: “Victoria is one of the most tenacious journalists in the business, with a fantastic ability to ask the straightforward questions our viewers want answered, and a shelf-full of major awards for her work.
“We’re delighted she’s joining us on Newsnight as a lead presenter alongside Kirsty. It’s an exciting time for Newsnight, and Victoria and Kirsty will be a formidable partnership at the heart of our presenter line up.”
Elsewhere, Jon shared his excitement at finally being confirmed as Dan Walker’s replacement on BBC Breakfast after being the stand in host for many weeks.
He said: “I’m over the moon to become the new regular presenter of BBC Breakfast and I’m looking forward to bringing our brilliant viewers the very latest news each morning alongside my good friend Sally and the rest of the team.
“Sitting on the famous red sofa is a real privilege while covering the stories and issues that matter to our audience – home and abroad.”
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani added: “Jon is a brilliant broadcaster who can turn his hand to hard-hitting news stories, celebrity interviews and everything in between.
“Already a member of the BBC Breakfast family, we are thrilled to have him join the team as a regular presenter.”
