Morning Live host welcomes new addition to BBC show in presenter shake-up

Morning Live: Michelle Ackerely welcomes Ugo Monye

Morning Live fans were treated to a spooktacular surprise during the show's Halloween special as they unveiled a fresh face joining the presenting team.

During Thursday's broadcast, host Michelle Ackerley was joined by ex-rugby sensation Ugo Monye as she broke the exciting news to viewers.

She exclaimed: "Happy Halloween and Happy Diwali. We've got a belting bunch to keep you company today."

After rolling out the list of celebrities set to feature in the show, Michelle swiftly shifted focus to Ugo.

She announced: "Good morning to you all. Please join me in extending a very warm welcome to Ugo! Happy first day presenting Morning Live!"

Michelle introduced Ugo to the programme (Image: BBC)

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As the studio erupted with cheers and applause for Ugo, Michelle playfully enquired if he felt like a newbie at school, lost and looking for his bearings, reports Wales Online.

He jovially responded: "It does, but without the PTSD because today I actually made friends!"

The laughter rang out as Michelle noted the group's welcoming nature before diving into details about Ugo's background for the audience.

She continued: "Of course, many people will know you from presenting Question of Sport, but also from your incredibly successful career in rugby, both on and off the field."

Thursday saw Ugo present Morning Live for the first time (Image: BBC)

A nostalgic snapshot of Ugo in action on the rugby pitch flashed up as Michelle queried how that particular match had gone for him.

He admitted: "I mean, we lost, but I'll take the photo!"

In a significant shake-up at the BBC, Ugo Monye was revealed in 2021 as one of the fresh faces to captain on the iconic Question of Sport.

Ugo joined forces with fellow newcomer Sam Quek and the new host, Paddy McGuinness, taking over Sue Barker's prestigious role.

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Ugo joined Question of Sport in 2021 (Image: BBC) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241029.min.js"

Describing his new role on the show as an immense privilege, Ugo expressed his delight, remarking: "It's a show I have watched my entire life, so to be named as a captain is truly humbling."

Yet, as 2021 drew to a close, it emerged that the BBC had decided to bench Question of Sport for the foreseeable future.

The Corporation cited financial pressures, explaining: "Due to inflation and funding challenges, difficult decisions have to be made, therefore Question of Sport is currently not in production at the moment."

Morning Live continues weekdays on BBC One from 9:30am

Morning Live host welcomes new addition to BBC show in presenter shake-up

Morning Live host welcomes new addition to BBC show in presenter shake-up

Morning Live host welcomes new addition to BBC show in presenter shake-up

Morning Live host welcomes new addition to BBC show in presenter shake-up

Morning Live host welcomes new addition to BBC show in presenter shake-up