An emotional chapter is coming to an end at BBC Radio 5 Live.
Long-serving presenter Rachel Burden struggled to hold back tears as she announced live on air that she is stepping down from the station’s flagship Breakfast programme after more than 15 years behind the microphone.
The heartfelt announcement came just hours after the BBC confirmed that Naga Munchetty will leave BBC Breakfast at the end of the year to become the new co-host of 5 Live Breakfast from January 2027, marking one of the broadcaster’s biggest presenter reshuffles in recent years.
An Emotional Farewell Live on Air
Speaking directly to listeners during Tuesday morning’s programme, Rachel admitted she was finding it difficult to stay composed.
“I have some news to share… I really need to try and keep it together.”
After pausing to collect herself, she reflected on the extraordinary journey that has defined much of her broadcasting career.
“I’ve been co-presenting this show for more than 15 years, and I think I’ve loved almost every single minute of it,” she said.
Rachel explained that both she and co-host Rick Edwards had spent months considering what the future should look like as their priorities evolved.
The emotional moment resonated with listeners, many of whom have started their mornings with Rachel’s calm, familiar voice for well over a decade.
A New Role Instead of Goodbye
Although Rachel is leaving the Breakfast programme, she is not leaving Radio 5 Live.
Beginning in January, she will move into a new weekday mid-morning slot, presenting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Wednesday.
The change allows her to remain a central figure on the station while stepping away from the demanding early-morning schedule that has shaped much of her career.
Reflecting on her decision, Rachel said it had been an incredible privilege to accompany listeners through some of Britain’s most significant moments—from the COVID-19 pandemic and major political events to unforgettable sporting triumphs.
She described Radio 5 Live’s audience as her “extended family” and promised they would continue sharing stories together—just at a slightly later hour.
Rick Edwards Also Bids Farewell
Rachel’s co-host Rick Edwards also confirmed he will leave the Breakfast programme in December after five years.
In his trademark humorous style, Rick joked that Rachel’s 15-year tenure made his own five years seem insignificant.
He admitted he would miss the audience, the production team, and especially working alongside Rachel, whom he described as both a valued colleague and a close friend.
Rick will remain with the BBC, moving to present Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings while contributing to other programmes across the network.
Naga Munchetty Begins a New BBC Chapter
Taking over the Breakfast programme will be Naga Munchetty, who is leaving BBC Breakfast after an impressive 17-year run.
Already a familiar voice to Radio 5 Live listeners through her weekday mid-morning programme, Naga said the opportunity to host one of the BBC’s flagship radio shows was impossible to refuse.
She described herself as “thrilled” to begin the new role and said it would require her full focus and energy.
Before officially making the move in January 2027, she will continue presenting both BBC Breakfast and her existing Radio 5 Live programme.
Her future Breakfast co-host has yet to be announced.
A Major BBC Reshuffle
Naga’s move represents one of the BBC’s biggest presenter changes in years and signals a fresh era for Radio 5 Live’s flagship morning programme.
Meanwhile, Rachel Burden’s emotional farewell served as a reminder of the lasting connection broadcasters build with their audiences over time.
While listeners will no longer wake up to Rachel’s voice each morning, they won’t be saying goodbye entirely—just tuning in a little later each day as she begins the next chapter of her broadcasting career.
