BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent has returned to the BBC’s flagship morning show after taking a lengthy absence.
The broadcaster, 54, usually presents the programme every Monday to Wednesday alongside Jon Kay, 56.
However, she has been replaced by a slew of stand-in hosts over the past three weeks, sparking concern over her whereabouts.
Nugent was back on screen for Wednesday’s broadcast, with Kay telling her: “It’s lovely to have you back!”
Nugent - who reportedly clashed with colleague Naga Munchetty recently - replied: “It’s so lovely to be back.”
The presenter, who joined BBC Breakfast in 2021, teased her return to the show on Instagram on Tuesday.
Sharing a smiling selfie in the car, she penned: “I'm back! Have I missed anything? See you tomorrow at 6.”
Viewers have been sharing their concern over Nugent’s absence on Reddit, with one asking: “BBC Breakfast - Where has Sally Nugent been lately?
“For the past couple of weeks, Sally’s been absent for whatever reason, and Sarah Campbell‘s been stepping in to cover alongside Jon Kay.”
Another commented: “Where's Sally? Has she left #bbcbreakfast,” as a third chimed in: “Where is Sally Nugent?”
Others suggested she was probably enjoying a break, with one posting: “Are people not allowed to go on holiday?”
Nugent and Kay host the start of the week on BBC Breakfast, while Munchetty and Charlie Stayt are the anchors from Thursday to Saturday.
In February, Munchetty reportedly “ruffled feathers” by making an apparent dig about Nugent’s makeover.
Munchetty apparently suggested Nugent’s newly styled hair and more polished on-screen look were more suited to daytime television than hard news.
She said, “We’re meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we’re presenting This Morning!” per The Sun.
A source said the alleged remark came amid an ongoing workplace culture review at the BBC and described it as a “nasty little moment”.
The insider told the publication: “Sally’s had a glow-up and her new do is looking fantastic. But it ruffled feathers, as is often the way in the showbiz industry.
“There were a couple of remarks about it and Naga particularly made a comment about them being journalists, not This Morning hosts.
“Things have been ticking along fairly quietly for the last couple of months whilst the bullying investigations continued, but this was a nasty little moment.”
The BBC declined to comment at the time.
Nugent recently shared her new hairstyle on social media, crediting stylist Calum Tierney.
The post was met with praise from a number of familiar faces, including Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton, who left three fire emojis and Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova, who commented “Gorgeous”.
The reported exchange comes amid scrutiny surrounding BBC Breakfast’s workplace culture.
Toward the end of last year, allegations were made about Munchetty’s conduct on set, which were later referred for formal investigation.
Munchetty - who also faced backlash over her recent comments to former weather presenter Carol Kirkwood - has not addressed the specific allegations.
