Kay Burley’s Sky News replacements have been announced after she left the breakfast show in February.
The British broadcaster, 64, sent shockwaves through the nation when she announced her retirement from the channel after 36 years.
Speculation has been rife following her exit, and it has now been confirmed that Sophy Ridge and Wilfred Frost have been appointed as the new Sky News breakfast presenters.
They will join the show later this Autumn, with an exact date to be announced, as well as a new show name and studio.
Ridge, 40, is best known for hosting Politics Hub for the last two years as well as Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
During the last UK election, she was the lead presenter during Sky’s coverage and was named RTS Presenter of the Year at the RTS Television Journalism Awards earlier this year.
Frost, 40, the son of broadcaster Sir David Frost, has filled in for Burley since her departure in February.
He has worked for the likes of CNBC and NBC, and earlier this year, he helmed the critically acclaimed documentary series David Frost Vs.
Taking to X to share the news, Frost said he was ‘insanely pumped’ to be stepping in to present the breakfast show.
‘I’m insanely pumped about the all-new breakfast show coming soon. Loads of exciting aspects – but top of the list is partnering with Sophy Ridge.
‘I know we’ll bring the best out of each other and together bring you the very best of Sky News in a fresh, warm and inviting way.’
Ridge added: ‘”Soooo I’m about to find out how many coffees one woman can consume before 7am. Me & Wilfred Frost will be shaking up Sky’s breakfast show from later this year, and I can’t wait to work together.
‘Presenting Breakfast is a massive honour for me and a real pinch yourself moment [heart emoji].’
Burley was part of the team that launched Sky News in 1989 under the direction of Rupert Murdoch, and she went on to win the channel a Bafta for her coverage of 9/11.
On her final day, she shared some fond memories from her career as well as one particularly ‘awkward’ moment on air.
‘Hard to say farewell, not goodbye, to some fabulous colleagues – and then there was the awkward moment with the cake…’ Kay said, referencing the moment she cut into a cake decorated with a picture of the original Sky News team in the accompanying footage.
Slicing into the rectangular cake, Kay realised that she was about to ‘cut Rupert’s head off,’ as she and her colleagues collapsed into laughter, and Kay made a detour with the knife.
Bowing out of her final ever Sky News Breakfast programme, she said: ‘From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it’s been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.
‘News by its very nature is often devastating, and together we’ve covered so many life-changing events – from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.
‘But we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven’t we – the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.
‘But after over a million minutes of live TV news – more than anyone else in the world – it’s time for me to indulge in some of my other passions – including my love for travel.
‘So, after covering 12 separate general elections – including Sir Keir Starmer’s victory last year – I am retiring from Sky News – let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!
‘Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You’re awesome.’
Metro has reached out to representatives for Kay Burley for comment
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