BBC Breakfast viewers thrilled as presenter makes rare appearance a year after departure

BBC Breakfast fans were delighted when presenter Emma Vardy popped up on the show one year after making her last appearance in the show's studios in Salford.

Emma stepped in for Nina Warhurst last summer as the show's business presenter before going on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her baby son, Jago Fionn. The following month, Emma revealed that she had taken a new role as the BBC's LA Correspondent and would be relocating with her family.

But on Monday, Emma was back on BBC Breakfast when she reported on the US Presidential election from Chicago, where she led coverage of the Democratic convention, reports Hello!

Sharing a selfie on X, Emma penned: "We're all scrubbed up in Chicago where Kamala Harris gets her star turn at the Democratic Convention. (Tho hrs earlier I was covered in mud at a swing state demolition derby!!)

"Watch @BBCBreakfast for the drama of the US Presidential race & some wreckage of a brutal clash!!"

While she's been back from maternity leave for a while, due to her new role she no longer features on the red sofa and it seems fans are missing her regular appearances.

So they were thrilled to see her popping up on Monday. One wrote: "Excellent, keep up your great work……Ádh mór!" while another added: "Looking good, Emma!"

Emma bid farewell to BBC Breakfast viewers in August last year as she headed off on maternity leave. "Well that's me off on mat leave!! Resigned to an eternity of housewife chores & dirty laundry. Career girl out," she said. "(And if u believe that you'll believe anything [wink emoji]). Celebrated the start of this new chapter with cocktails at this perfectly disguised speakeasy!! #TheWashhouse."

In September, after welcoming her baby son with her husband Aaron Adams, Emma confirmed that she wouldn't be returning to the red sofa as she had accepted a new job in the US.

"We've certainly had our hands (& hearts) full lately,now there's a big adventure ahead for my wee family," penned the journalist. "After an incredible 5 years in Northern Ireland, Jago Fionn @mr_plusone & I are off to actual Hollywood!"

Confirming her new job with the BBC, Emma added: "Not for my acting skills but to become the BBC's LA Correspondent…reporting on everything from the red carpet awards to the presidential election & catching a few waves.

"I've absolutely loved my time in Northern Ireland & it will always have a very special place in my heart. Will treasure our final weeks before we say goodbye NI [heart emoji]."

After taking a few months of maternity leave, Emma returned to work in January just in time to cover the Golden Globes. "I'm BA-ACK," she wrote, alongside a snap taken from the red carpet. "After a glorious maternity leave, and I loved every gorgeous minute of it, mamma's gotta get out and earn the dollar. First day as LA Correspondent & diving straight into red carpet prep for the @goldenglobes."

BBC Breakfast is on weekdays on BBC One from 6am