BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt replaced in shock move as fans demand to know what happened

BBC Breakfast star, Charlie Stayt, was replaced on Saturday (September 14), leaving the show's legion of loyal fans concerned.

The presenter, 62, usually hosts the show with Naga Munchetty, 49, but was absent from the red sofa after a shock switch-up. In Charlie's place was BBC Breakfast anchor Ben Thompson, 43, who sat next to Naga discussing news, including the start of the Lib Dem party conference as well as analysing the impact of changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Fans who were expecting to see veteran presenter Charlie on the show took to social media enquiring about his whereabouts. One asked on X, formerly Twitter: "What's happened to Charlie? I was expecting to see him." While another lamented: "Was looking forward to seeing Charlie this morning. Why has he been replaced?" The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

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Fortunately, Ben put in a good shift and received praise from fans for his presenting skills. However, the shake-up came after more uncertainty on the show when Naga and Charlie's regular co-star also disappeared from screen last week. Carol Kirwood was nowhere to be seen - with her weather presenter colleague Matt Taylor forced to step in.

Tensions rose on BBC Breakfast last week as Naga had a sharp exchange with co-host Charlie, asking him pointedly, "Has that bothered you?"

The duo was discussing the stomach tale of a fly invasion in Wales, which made Charlie squirm. Welsh correspondent, Hywel Griffith, joined in with grim details during his report as Naga announced: "Residents of a village in South Wales say they've been inundated by a mysterious swarm of flies."

Looking visibly distressed, Charlie commented: "People living in Bettws near Bridgend say they can't open their windows or eat lunch in peace because of the insects." But as the camera panned to Hywel, the narrative delved into deeper disgust, reported the Express.

Hywel shared disturbing local accounts, including kids eating under mosquito nets and one household capturing over 200 flies in less than an hour.

The situation's severity escalated when it was revealed the local pub owner had stopped serving meals due to the infestation. Expressing his revulsion with an audible "Urgh," following the footage of deceased flies being swept away, Charlie grimaced as Naga quipped: "Has that bothered you?"

Shooting a miffed glance at his co-star, the presenter replied: "A bit like that, isn't it? Urgh," prompting a bout of laughter from Naga, but leaving a noticeably awkward ambience, causing a quick shift of focus to weather presenter Simon King for some relief.

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