Jon Kay and his host wife’s off-screen life amid BBC Breakfast host controversy

Since it was announced that Dan Walker will be leaving BBC Breakfast – rumors swirled about replacing him.

After working at the BBC for 13 years and hosting the famous red sofa since 2016, Dan has taken “the big move to switch to Channel 5, saying: ‘I don’t think the opportunities’ like this happens again and again”.

That has left a void to fill alongside Sally Nugent – with Jon Kay running ahead to take on the role permanently.

The 52-year-old host and newsreader has covered Dan many times, so he already knows the ropes and how he gets around the building.

First joining the BBC Breakfast team in 2010, Jon has experience in the role and is expected to secure the job for the long term.

Amidst the controversy surrounding who will replace Dan, here’s a look at Jon’s life from afar.

Get news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for the Mirror newsletter here .

Born in Hull, Jon attended California High School for a year before graduating from the University of Exeter in Devon with a degree in Politics in 1992.

While “hanging around” in the studio of Radio Exeter University, he decided to pursue a career in broadcasting journalism.

Starting at the BBC as a local reporter intern in 1993, Jon worked at local radio stations and started his first full-time job at BBC Bristol on the same day as Susanna Reid.

It was at the Bristol newsroom where he met his wife – former BBC News journalist and correspondent Francesca Kasteliz.

The couple have three children together and Francesca currently works as a performance coach for presenters, reporters and spokespeople.

Her profile on Bristol Creative Industries says: “Whether you’re a TV presenter, TV talent, reporter/reporter, expert in your field, chief executive or spokesperson, for your organization – I can help you refine the skills you need to be the best that can be broadcast.”

After his time in Bristol, Jon traveled to London to work as a political reporter and news reporter before spending a year traveling the world with his wife.

They reported as they passed through China, Southeast Asia, Australasia and Central America, and in Mexico, they found themselves in the midst of a deadly storm.

Upon his return to the UK, Jon became a BBC south and west correspondent for national television and national radio, but he also did some work abroad as a reporter. BBC’s foreign correspondents, covering Los Angeles and Washington DC.

“Some of the reports are pretty tough – like the repatriation at Wootton Bassett, the murder of Jo Yeates and the Vanessa George child abuse scandal,” he said.

“And hardly a month goes by that I don’t get knocked out by strong winds or battered snow – but I also get to meet some amazing people and report on some amazing things – like the Festival Glastonbury and a diver in the sky in October.”

Jon was the Olympics correspondent for BBC News at Six and Ten during the 2012 London Olympics – and is now known for his roles on BBC Breakfast.

Describing his work-from-home life, he said: “Writing a radio report while arguing with screaming kids, wife on phone, washing machine humming, doorbell ringing, people postmen, barking dogs, dam builders, school playground next door #wfh #wtf .”

Jon is now the favorite to take over from Dan and applications for the presenting role were shown on the BBC’s website and closed on 24 May.

Interviews for the role appear to be ongoing and no official announcement has been made yet, but BBC Breakfast’s Twitter account has updated its cover photo to include Jon alongside Naga Munchetty, Charlie Stayt, and Charlie Stayt. and Sally Nugent.

A source told Daily Star : “As much as people think Jon Kay is the obvious successor to Dan’s work, there is some insecurity that the ‘headline’ image for the official BBC Breakfast Twitter account has been changed over the past few days. (while the process is still ongoing) includes Jon as one of the four main stars.

The source added that some feel like bosses may have ‘waited’ for a while before changing the title. It also makes some people feel ‘uncomfortable’.

They continued: “It’s a bit awkward that the bosses have put Jon in this situation. He’s loved by everyone but it feels like they were rushed and now it looks like a deal has been done first. as the process goes on. going.”

Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

In April, many viewers of BBC Breakfast were left heartbroken when Dan announced that he was leaving the BBC after 13 amazing years.

Dan started hosting Football Focus before joining the breakfast show, and he’s already on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.

But Channel 5’s appeal was overwhelming, with the presenter announcing in a video shared on Twitter that he was leaving the Beeb to take on a new challenge.

“I’m really excited but it’s also a big decision for me because I love BBC Breakfast, I love working with Sally. [Nugent] and I love the team there,” he said.

“But Channel 5 comes with big ambitions, with big plans and I don’t think opportunities like this come very often and I can’t wait.

“I’ve also had the incredible privilege of working on a number of iconic shows over the past few years, both at the BBC and elsewhere and what I love about this deal is that not only do I get to present news, but also hosts of programs right on the channel.

“And it’s been an honor to step into Sian Williams’ shoes. I know how much she is loved by the team and the audience, so all I can say is that I’ll do my best to keep it going. uphold her extremely high standards.”

When he reappeared on the red sofa for the first time, Dan said sometimes you have to take a chance in life as he explains his decision to leave.

He said: “I’ve never been motivated by money in any job I’ve ever taken and although I do love BBC Breakfast and all the people who work on the show.

“It’s been a great opportunity to work with an excellent team at Channel 5. And also, do some other programming outside of here.”

During his emotional final performance, Dan admitted it felt “bizarre” and his former co-host Louis Minchin suddenly turned around to wave at him.

As well as a build of his best snippets, there are recorded messages from Olympic champions Jessica Ennis-Hill and Adam Peaty and former rugby league star Rob Burrows.

“I’ve had so many incredible memories,” Dan said. Thank you for watching. “Things are always changing. Change is hard sometimes but it’s also good. Stay tuned and thank you for having me.

“I love doing this job and I always find it surprising that other people enjoy watching you do something you love.”

Got a story to share? Emailwebfeatures@trinitymirror.com