Naga Munchetty has paid touching homage to her BBC co-star Jonathan Blake, who is moving on to greener pastures.
The political journalist announced his departure from the network after 16 years on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Among those bidding him farewell was the BBC presenter, 48, who commented: ‘Congratulations! At least we get to chat to you [on] @BBCBreakfast this morning before you go x.’
Jonathan replied: ‘Thank you Naga! yes, not quite done yet :).’
The broadcaster, who said he had worked in journalism for two decades and needed a change, had explained on social media: ‘Some news from me… After 16 years at the BBC and two decades as a journalist it’s time for change and a new challenge.
‘Tough to say goodbye to so many fab friends and colleagues but thrilled to be joining the brilliant team at @HeadlandComms very soon.!’
Other BBC stars sharing their well-wishes were Martine Croxall, who said: ‘Great loss to us, JB. Good luck!’
BBC News’ Ben Thompson penned: ‘End of an era! Happy days as trainees all those years ago…!’
‘I’m so sorry we’re losing you, Jonathan! Huge loss for us. Your reports have always been very sharp. Always really appreciated having you as a colleague and wishing you all the best with your next adventure,’ BBC’s World Service’s Rich Preston added.
Jonathan joined the BBC in 2009 as a New York-based correspondent for Radio One’s Newsbeat after working as a broadcast journalist on Manchester radio stations.
Jonathan later served as a news journalist, Washington reporter, and head of visual journalism at the broadcaster before becoming political correspondent at BBC News.
Meanwhile, Naga recently lamented the death of BBC colleague George Alagiah, who died of colon cancer at the age of 67.
She stated, almost in tears, while hosting BBC Radio 5 Live last month:
‘We’ve had the very sad news that our colleague George Alagiah, BBC presenter – you all know him – who has been living with bowel cancer since 2014 – he has since stepped back from presenting BBC News,’ she said.
‘We’ve just heard the news he has died [aged 67]. We’ve just heard that from his agent,’
As Munchetty became choked up, the BBC Breakfast presenter said: ‘Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our newsroom.
‘We’ve had that news, we’ll bring you more a little bit later, Rebecca apologies for the interruption, you have the rest of the sport.’
On social media, several presenters, like Dan Walker and Jeremy Vine, paid respect to Alagiah.
Source My Celebrity Life.
