BBC Star Returns to TV After Heartbreaking Loss That Left Fans in Tears

BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst was back on the sofa this morning after taking a few weeks off to grieve the loss of her father.

The 44-year-old was joined by co-host Ben Thompson as the pair dove into the day’s biggest stories, from breaking news to lifestyle chatter — including a segment on “phubbing,” the term for ignoring someone by looking at your phone, reported Metro.co.uk.

In early July, the BBC News at One host revealed her father had passed away. He was diagnosed with mixed dementia — Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia — in 2022.

Alongside a black-and-white photo of herself holding her dad’s hand, Nina posted a deeply personal tribute to him.

“My Dad died on Wednesday night. From Sunday me, my Mum and sisters spent precious time with him around the clock… singing, crying, laughing, sharing memories,” she wrote.

“On his last day we had nursing home afternoon tea, chippy chips and wine together. He drifted away gently with me and Amy holding him and telling him to ‘go on ahead. We’ll see you there soon.’ And he did. I had my hand on his heart as the ripples softened and stopped.

“A gentle end to a gentle life. So much love and laughter and sunshine across days I’ll never forget.

“He is in my mind all the time now as we adjust to a world without him in it. I can’t quite accept that’s real yet. But we think it’s really important for anyone going through this to know that the end can be peaceful and beautiful.”

Nina, a mom of three, still makes occasional appearances on BBC Breakfast, but earlier this year she stepped into a permanent role on BBC News at One after seven years on the morning program.

Her last official day as Money & Work presenter was in April, and the goodbye was an emotional one. Former co-host Jon Kay took to social media to praise her time on the show.

“I just wanted to say what a pleasure it has been to work with her since I joined Brekkie,” he wrote. “She’s one of the most talented, dedicated, versatile, fun and fearless people I know. She commits 100% to any story or issue she’s covering. She always puts the audience first. And she’s exactly the same off-air as she is on the sofa.

“Much as we’ll miss her energy and smiles at 0445, we’re all delighted for her that she can now have a little more sleep — and a bit more time at home with her wonderful family in the mornings. She’ll be amazing at lunchtime x.”

Today’s return was a warm moment for viewers who’ve missed her presence. While her loss is still fresh, her resilience and warmth were on full display, showing once again why she’s one of the most beloved faces on British TV.