BBC Breakfast pulled off air in scheduling shake-up as Naga Munchetty issues statement

Viewers tuning in to BBC Breakfast this morning found the show ending abruptly, with presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty quick to issue an announcement as to why.

On Saturday morning (April 26) the show began at the usual time of 6am, but ended prematurely at just before 8.30am. Usually, the show runs until 10am.

However, the early finish time was not unexpected as throughout the programme Charlie and Naga kept viewers updated with the news that there would be a BBC special programme covering the funeral of Pope Francis.

Throughout this morning's episode, the presenters checked in with reporters on the ground in Rome. Fellow BBC presenter Reeta Chakrabarti also made an appearance from the city via video link as she is leading the broadcaster's coverage of the funeral.

As they brought the show to a close, Naga told viewers: "Early finish for Breakfast today. The time now is just coming up to half past 8 because next on BBC One there will be, of course, live coverage of the funeral of Pope Francis. That begins at nine o'clock.

"Various delegations, dignitaries, leaders, world leaders, church leaders, monarchs are going to be attending the funeral to pay their respects to Pope Francis who died at the age of 88 on Monday."

Continuing on from his co-host, Charlie added: "Already this morning we have had a sense from afar of some of the sounds and images of what will be an extraordinary occasion. From us here, it's goodbye."

In a poignant end to the programme, a live feed of the Vatican was shown without any music. It showed the many mourners that had attended to pay their respects to the late Pope.

The BBC's special coverage of the Pope's funeral began at half 8 and will last until 12.30pm. The programme has spotlighted the many famous faces in attendance at the event, including US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania.

BBC Breakfast airs every day on BBC One and iPlayer from 6am