Written by by Val Powell
As the host of BBC’s flagship morning show “BBC Breakfast”, Louise Minchin makes her presence felt across breakfast television and BBC Radio 2. But her unusual day job also reveals a passion for animals — she founded a rescue group dedicated to encouraging cycle-friendly cities.
Now, the mother-of-two is set to take on a new challenge — Celebrity MasterChef’s spin-off MasterChef: The Professionals and celebrity edition of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Here’s a look at the 46-year-old presenter’s career to date:
BBC Radio 2: 2002 – 2007
Louise Minchin takes on a role as the host of BBC Radio 2’s flagship morning show on BBC Radio 2 for one year. Credit: David Martineau/LIVELEAK
Minchin began her career as a studio PA to the BBC’s morning show host Nicky Campbell in 2002 before being promoted to present the station’s flagship early-morning show “BBC Breakfast” for a year.
Minchin said: “It was a really fun job. The first time I presented it was incredible — the week I got that job I was covering for Laurie [Frost] and I was out before I’d even got home! And then I joined “Breakfast” at the start of the next series.”
She began presenting “BBC Breakfast” in 2003 alongside editor Natasha Kaplinsky, but was injured while flying a police helicopter which caused her to undergo surgery. She returned after three months on maternity leave.
She has also hosted “Radio 2 Breakfast” since 2006.
Radio 2: 2004 – 2006
Louise Minchin with radio presenter Clive Anderson in a promotional shot for Radio 2. Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston/PA Wire
Following her “BBC Breakfast” stint, Minchin began presenting her morning show “Radio 2 Breakfast” alongside former Radio 1 DJ Tony Blackburn. But a turbulent relationship with Blackburn led to an acrimonious break-up. She subsequently moved to sister station Radio 6 Music in 2006.
She has since hosted shows on Radio 2 (excluding “Breakfast”) and BBC Radio 6 Music.
BBC Breakfast: 2008 – Present
Louise Minchin presents BBC’s flagship breakfast show alongside Jim Naughtie in 2008. Credit: Tim Ireland/PA Wire
Minchin was taken on as the permanent host of “BBC Breakfast” in 2008. She has since reported from Afghanistan and covered all seven British royal weddings for the network.
She found herself reunited with fellow presenter Kirsty Young — and currently hosts the BBC Radio 4 morning show and also presents BBC’s flagship morning show.