BBC Breakfast hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay were left scrambling to comfort a guest after she broke down in tears over ‘really, really emotional’ news.
The morning programme returned to our screens on Monday as the hosts shared the latest headlines and stories with viewers.
The presenting duo pressed pause on the planned news reel just minutes into the show to address a breaking story – as Israel prepared to welcome American President Donald Trump.
It follows a ceasefire agreement for the war in Gaza which saw the Israeli government approve the US-brokered deal with Hamas.
Part of the agreement included a hostage and prisoner exchange, which began on Monday morning just hours after the agreement came into affect.
The news programme focused on the ongoing breaking story, as Hamas began releasing the hostages – 20 living captives, and 28 bodies.
BBC Breakfast hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay were left scrambling to comfort a guest after she broke down in tears over ‘really, really emotional’ news
The UK Lead of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Nivi Feldman joined Sally, 54, and Jon, 55, to speak about the hostages being released
Sally introduced the segment: ‘As we go on air this morning, the world is watching as the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners is due to begin.
‘It is a key part of the US backed ceasefire plan for Gaza.’
Jon added: ‘Crowds are gathering in Tel Aviv as they await news of the hostages’ release. Hamas has to release 20 who are thought to be alive, and the bodies of 28.’
Sally then added: ‘At the Re’im military base, Israeli families are beginning to gather in anticipation of the hostages’ release.
‘The roads nearby, just close to this base, are lined with flags and people.’
Jon explained that aid trucks had been passing the border into Gaza this morning, as Palestinians returned to Gaza City after fleeing south during the war.
The UK Lead of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Nivi Feldman joined Sally, 54, and Jon, 55, to speak about the hostages who were soon to be reunited with their families.
Nivi began to break down as she admitted she was finding the segment ‘really, really emotional’ as she spoke to the pair about her involvement with the families.
Jon and Sally (left) present the show from Monday to Wednesday, with Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty taking over on Thursday and Friday
The news programme followed along live as President Donald Trump landed in Israel following a US-brokered ceasefire deal agreed to by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
‘We’ve been hugging and holding these families for two years, campaigning with them to bring back their loved ones,’ Nivi admitted holding back tears.
‘They were taken from a Nova party, they were taken from their homes in pyjamas. There’s families who have been through kids who can’t sleep and can’t go to school and just waiting for their loved ones.
‘It’s just really scary seeing the condition of them.
‘I know they haven’t been given food everyday, I know they’ve been chained, they’ve been beaten… They’ve been through hell and they’re finally coming back.’
Taking to social media, viewers of the news programme admitted they too were left ‘heartbroken’ and emotional watching the footage from Israel.
‘This is heartbreaking for every family reunited,’ one penned, as a second added: ‘I hope we are watching the first steps on the long road to lasting peace.’
It comes after Naga Munchetty was replaced on BBC Breakfast as her usual co-host Charlie Stayt was joined by another familiar face in another cast shake-up.
BBC Breakfast is usually presented by Jon and Sally, Monday to Wednesday, followed by Naga, 50, and Charlie, 63, Thursday to Saturday.
Sunday’s episode is presented by a number of stand-in hosts such as Roger Johnson, Tina Daheley, Ben Boulous, Ben Thompson and Rachel Burden.
But Naga was missing from the line-up on the show on Thursday morning, with Charlie instead joined by one of the other BBC Breakfast stars.
Viewers were surprised to see Charlie joined by Sarah Campbell, a BBC News presenter and royal correspondent for the broadcaster.
It’s not the first time in recent weeks that Naga has been missing from the line-up, with Naga going missing from screens last month on leave.
Charlie and Naga have hit a number of headlines over the last few months.
Back in June it was revealed that journalist Naga, 50, who joined the morning programme in 2014, was facing ‘bullying claims’.
Last month it was revealed that Naga had allegedly scolded a petrified intern for the way they spread Marmite on her toast.
In August it was also reported Charlie Stayt’s alleged behaviour is also ‘under review’ after a string of complaints.
Breakfast airs daily on BBC One from 6am and is available to stream on iPlayer.
