BBC Breakfast's Nina Warhurst makes 'upsetting' statement in emotional segment

BBC Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst provided viewers with a sense of hope as she shared her thoughts on the Sycamore Gap tree.

The 43-year-old appeared on the famous red sofa for Friday's edition of the popular news programme alongside her co-host Charlie Stayt.

During the episode, a report was shown on the famous Sycamore Gap tree that was located next to Hadrian's Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland.

However, on the 28th of September 2023, the tree was found cut down in what has been described as "an act of vandalism". Following the demise of the famous long-standing tree, journalist Alison Freeman shared what has happened since then and how it is still being remembered.

Even though there was an outpouring of anger from the public at the time it was cut, young twigs and seeds have been nurtured offering 49 saplings. In addition to this, an exhibition to remember the tree has been created.

Following the report, Nina thanked her colleague, who was appearing via video link as she shared the promising news. She said: "Thank you, Alison. It's great to see something so hopeful coming out of something that was so upsetting at the time. Thank you."

After hearing Nina's statement, fans at home also shared their thoughts. One viewer said: "Sycamore trees grow like weeds where I live, it is not so much the tree that was felled but the location that was important. The glory of the original tree will not ever be reproduced, sadly."

Another curious viewer penned:"Yes the Sycamore gap tree! But nobody has explained why? I suspect it wasn’t a random act but more of a protest against new oil drilling permits!"

A third said: "@nationaltrust should definitely replant one of the hope trees at the sycamore gap. Had the pleasure of seeing it before it was cut down."

While a fourth added: "Loving this item about the tree."

According to the National Trust, the tree was planted during the 19th century by the previous land owner, Newcastle lawyer John Clayton as a landscape feature. This means it was roughly 150 years old.

The tree was felled in the early morning. However, locals heard nothing due to the high winds caused by Storm Agnes at the time.

BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.