BBC Breakfast's Jon Kay explains two-week absence as Ben Thompson steps in

10 July 2023 , 08:14

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BBC Breakfast's Jon Kay explains two-week absence as Ben Thompson steps in (Image: BBC/James Stack)

Jon Kay has explained his two-week absence from presenting as Ben Thompson stepped in to host BBC Breakfast.

The star usually hosts BBC Breakfast with Sally Nugent between Monday and Wednesday.

He took to social media to announce he will be enjoying time sleeping in and hanging out with his family for the next two weeks.

"Enjoying some extra sleep and long-planned annual leave with the family, so no need to set my alarm clock tomorrow morning," the 53-year-old said.

"Back on the red sofa with my BBC Breakfast family in Salford in two weeks’ time," he wrote along with an emoji of an alarm clock.

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Ben Thompson stepped in to host the programme with Sally on Monday morning.

Fans rushed to the comment section to wish the presenter a relaxing holiday while some pointed out it was a "shame" he had to clarify his absence from the show.

Jon Kay explained his two-week absence

"Have a lovely break Jon, kick back and relax," one said while another posted: "Awful you had to put this tweet out but I can see why in the circumstances."

Jon's tweet comes as it was reported that a BBC presenter allegedly paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.

The mother of the teenager in question claims her child was paid more than £35,000 for sexually explicit pictures. She also says her child used the money to fund an addiction to crack cocaine and blames the presenter for "destroying her child's life".

The employee has been suspended from the BBC following the allegations.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they have been contacted with regards to allegations.

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said: "The Met has received initial contact from the BBC in relation to this matter but no formal referral or allegation has been made.

"We will require additional information before determining what further action should follow."

BBC Director-general Tim Davie recently explained why the corporation chose not to name the BBC presenter.

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"By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex," he wrote in an e-mail to staff.

"I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent."

Tim continued: "We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports. I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate."

Zara Woodcock