BBC News presenter returns to screens after being taken off air for an entire year

Beloved BBC News presenter Annita McVeigh returned to our TV screens on Monday (March 18) after a year-long absence, much to the delight of her fans. Last year, Annita and four other presenters were taken off the air as part of a restructuring plan by BBC bosses who decided to consolidate their news channels.

The news anchor delighted viewers making a comeback to the BBC after it was announced last month she had been promoted to chief presenter. Sharing the excitement about her return, Annita took to social media to share a glimpse of her first day back in the studio.

Her post included a photo of herself which she captioned: "....and I'm back. In Studio C with #NewsNow until 1500GMT - so good to be bringing you the news again."

Fans couldn't contain their joy and flooded her post with messages of support.

One fan responded saying: "So good to see you back, it's like you've never been away."

Another shared: "So pleased to see you back @AnnitaBBC, I have really missed you. At long last an experienced newsreader."

A third fan added: "Congratulations on your return to BBC News. It was a travesty that you had to reapply for your position."

And a fourth chimed in with: "Wonderful news Annita. Welcome back."

Earlier this year, Annita and Geeta Guru-Murthy were officially confirmed to be reinstated and promoted to chief presenting roles, as well as Ben Brown.

At the time, Paul Royall, editor of the channel, said: “Annita, Ben and Geeta’s knowledge, experience, and presenting talent make them valuable additions to the team, bringing trusted BBC News to more than 100m viewers around the world on the UK’s most-watched news channel.”

It comes after Annita, Geeta, Maxine Croxall, Karin Giannone and Kasia Madera all stood down from their roles last year as a result of the BBC News channel merging with the BBC World News channel.

Reports later suggested all five presenters were being offered permanent roles again.