Why is Kay Burley leaving Sky News? What we know as host issues statement
It's the end of an era for Sky News, as Kay Burley has announced her retirement after 36 years as the broadcaster's anchor.
Burley has been with Sky News since its launch in 1989 and has been a trusted voice for viewers on breaking news stories from general elections to terror attacks, natural disasters to Royal births.
On Wednesday morning as she closed her final Sky News Breakfast show, Burley shared her news with viewers, calling the job "an honour and a privilege".
Here's what we know so far about Kay Burley leaving Sky News.
Burley is known as the face of Sky News, but this morning dropped a bombshell announcement that she was quitting her role as the channel marked its 36th birthday.
Making her leaving speech at the end of Wednesday's Sky News Breakfast, the 64-year-old said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.
"News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.
"But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and days waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.
"But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - it's time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel.
"So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!
"Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome. I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch."
Sky News executive chairman David Rhodes paid tribute to Burley, saying: "With millions of minutes presenting live rolling news, Kay's legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky's legacy. And I'm sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won't face her indomitable questioning in the mornings."
He added: "We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck."
Former Sky News journalist Adam Boulton wrote on X: 'The one and only @KayBurley announces she is leaving @SkyNews.
'Kay is unique, there are no other women of her background who have had such an impact on British news and current affairs. We have been friends and colleagues for forty years. Onward Kay I know it's going to be exciting!"
Former BBC Newsnight producer Sam McAlister posted: 'Genuinely devastated to hear about @KayBurley leaving @SkyNews. An absolute icon. Smart as hell, sharp as they come, bloody amazing company.
"Always a total inspiration to me as a single parent and woman from a different background. A sad day."
We don't yet know who is set to replace Burley on Sky News, with channel executives sharing that the current line-up would continue without her for the moment.
Rhodes said in his statement: "Kay confirmed that today was her final broadcast with Sky News. Of course, Breakfast continues — with the other current presenters and with our Friday-Sunday team."
After such a long career in broadcasting, Burley has unsurprisingly found herself at the centre of a few controversies over the years.
She had to apologise to guest Peter Andre in February 2010 when he became tearful after she aired comments by the former footballer Dwight Yorke. He had criticised Andre for volunteering to adopt Katie Price's eldest child Harvey, whose father is Yorke.
In November 2019, she 'empty chaired' then Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly who she said had been a no-show for Sky News Breakfast — although Cleverly claimed he had never been booked to appear that day.
One of Burley's most memorable controversies was over the coronavirus pandemic when she was found to have broken Covid rules despite regularly grilling politicians about lockdown rules. In May 2020, she questioned Cabinet minister Michael Gove over Dominic Cummings' trip to Barnard Castle, but that December she admitted to breaking the rules herself by throwing a 60th birthday party and was suspended from her role for six months.
Sky News's political editor Beth Rigby and correspondent Inzamam Rashid were also both taken off air for three months as they had celebrated with Burley at her birthday party.
Burley returned to Sky News in June 2021 and told the Daily Mail: "I thought I was Covid-compliant. I wasn't. I made a mistake. I was an idiot and I let myself and my viewers down. I'm sorry for what I did and for any heartache, I caused the loyal friends with me at the time.'
More recently there were more than 1,500 complaints were made over on-air remarks by Burley about the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Dr Husam Zomlot, on a 10 October show in 2023 following Hamas launching an attack on Israel.
Ofcom ruled that the episode "gave a potentially misleading representation" of his views during Breakfast With Kay Burley.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why Trooping the Color Is More Than Just a Parade for the Royal Family
Why Trooping the Color Is More Than Just a Parade for the Royal Family originally appeared on Parade. Each June, the royal family gathers at Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Color, a centuries-old tradition steeped in pageantry and national pride. This grand event brings together nearly all senior members of the monarchy in a vibrant display of unity, all to honor the legacy of one central figure: the reigning monarch. But the event is more than just a parade, here's why. Trooping the Color is a ceremonial event performed every year on Horse Guards Parade in London, United Kingdom, by regiments of the Household Division to celebrate the official birthday of the British sovereign. However, the event is not actually held on the ruler's birthday. Typically, the event is held in June due to the chance of good weather. Thousands show up to support the royal family and to watch the pageantry they are famous for. However, Trooping the Color is more than just a birthday parade. Per Hello! it is filled with activities such as a procession down the Mall, including the royal family and the Household Cavalry, a 41-gun salute to mark the King's official birthday, and a Royal Air Force flypast. Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 It features the royal family in a positive light as they participate in the aforementioned events and interact with the public. This year, King Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles will attend, as well as Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie will also be in attendance as will Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy James Hamilton Laurence. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh are expected to ride on horseback in the procession, alongside the Princess Royal as they did in 2024. Charles will travel down the Mall in a carriage with Camilla as he continues to receive treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. The king's second son, and his wife, , will not be in attendance during this family event. The last time the couple appeared alongside other members of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony was in 2019. They left the royal family in 2020 amid growing tensions between the couple and other senior royals. Trooping the Color has taken place for over 200 years. The event will be held on Saturday, June 14 in London, England. Why Trooping the Color Is More Than Just a Parade for the Royal Family first appeared on Parade on Jun 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Pulp score first UK no.1 album in 27 years with 'More'
LONDON (Reuters) -British band Pulp returned to the top of the UK album charts for the first time in 27 years on Friday as their new record "More" went to No. 1. "More" was released last week just before the group, led by Jarvis Cocker, kicked off a UK and Ireland tour. It is Pulp's eighth studio album and their first since 2001's "We Love Life". The band, from the British city of Sheffield, last topped the UK albums chart in 1998 with "This Is Hardcore". The Official Charts Company said "More" also topped the Official Vinyl Albums Chart. 'The day an album is released to the public is a very special day," Cocker said in a statement on the album's release. "The music changes from being something owned only by the band to something that can be owned by anyone – it can become part of people's lives. It's magic." Pulp found fame in the mid-1990s Britpop wave with hits such as "Common People", "Disco 2000" and "Help the Aged". They split in 2002 before reforming twice in subsequent years. "More" was recorded over three weeks in late 2024 and the band has previously said it was dedicated to late bassist Steve Mackey, who died in 2023. Mackey is credited as a songwriter on two of the album's songs. Pulp released the first single from the album, "Spike Island", in April followed by "Got to Have Love" in May.
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Escape from reality with ‘The Librarians: The Next Chapter' this weekend
Welcome to Screen Gab the newsletter for everyone who needs a break from doomscrolling. If your brain needs a fantasy adventure to escape the realities of life, perhaps the escapades of a time-traveling librarian will suit your needs. 'The Librarians,' which started as a trio of TV movies that evolved into a four-season TV series, has built out its universe with the recent spinoff 'The Librarians: The Next Chapter.' Showrunner Dean Devlin stopped by Guest Spot to discuss how the new show connects to the wider franchise. And if you're into crime dramas as a form of escapist TV, this week's streaming recommendations include a new British detective drama that features a mismatched crime-solving duo and the prequel series in 'Dexter's' expanding serial killer universe. Must-read stories you might have missed 50 years after Marshal Matt Dillon's last draw, 'Gunsmoke' is a streaming hit: The adult western drama with James Arness is finding loyal fans and new audiences on Peacock, Paramount+ and Pluto TV. Commentary: Why on earth is Dr. Phil involved in immigration raids? Another made-for-TV event from a reality star president: Of all the alarming things that have happened in L.A., Dr. Phil hanging out with Trump's top border policy advisor during immigration raids was the weirdest. In 'Murderbot,' an anxious scientist and an autonomous robot develop a workplace-trauma bond: Alexander Skarsgård and Noma Dumezweni, co-stars of Apple TV+'s 'Murderbot,' discuss Episode 6 of the sci-fi series and the autism-coded robot at the center of the show. 'Materialists' is a smart and funny all-star love triangle with its own commitment issues: In Celine Song's rom-com follow-up to her Oscar-nominated 'Past Lives,' Pedro Pascal is rich, Chris Evans is poor and Dakota Johnson is a matchmaking mercenary. Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times 'Death Valley' (BritBox) Set not in our own dry desert but the verdant valleys of Wales, this adorable and comical mystery series from the great Timothy Spall, OBE — longtime favorite of director Mike Leigh and familiar to many as Peter Pettigrew in five 'Harry Potter' movies — stars as John Chapel, a former TV police detective living in small-town isolation after the death of his Welsh wife. Along comes Gwyneth Keyworth as the world's sweetest (actual) police detective Janie Mallowan, Chapel's biggest fan who knocks on his door in the middle of an investigation. After some back-and-forth, push and pull, they become one of those pro-am teams that figure in so many detective shows — like 'Castle,' without the sex — and never better done than here. Chapel takes to the job in grand thespian style, playing characters, improvising and analyzing motives through character analysis. (He's not always right.) Janie is alternately stressed and impressed. Backdrops for the cases include a local theater production, a walking group, a wedding and a school reunion — cozy stuff. — Robert Lloyd 'Dexter: Original Sin' (Paramount+ with Showtime) If superheroes can have origin stories, why not serial killers carrying on their secret mission of justice? That's the concept of Showtime's 'Dexter: Original Sin,' which travels back to 1991 to show how the crafty Dexter Morgan, the forensics specialist who moonlighted as a vigilante, began his killing ways while working as an intern at the Miami Metro Police Department. The series premiered last year as a prequel spinoff of 'Dexter,' the popular drama/dark comedy that ran for eight seasons and later continued its story in the sequel series 'Dexter: New Blood.' Patrick Gibson uncannily captures the mannerisms, facial expressions and inflections of 'Dexter' star Michael C. Hall, who provides the trademark narration that was one of the signatures of the original series. The show is the perfect appetizer for the July 11 premiere of 'Dexter: Resurrection,' which brings the titular antihero back to life despite being 'shot to death' by his son Harrison (Jack Alcott) in the finale of 'Dexter: New Blood.' — Greg Braxton A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching 'The Librarians' is back after more than seven years, but things are a little different from when we last visited this fantasy land, which spanned three films (starring Noah Wyle) and a four-season TV series. In its latest iteration, 'The Librarians: The Next Chapter,' we're introduced to a new librarian named Vikram Chamberlain (Callum McGowan), who time-traveled from 1847 and now finds himself stuck in the present. He returns to his castle in Belgrade, Serbia only to find that it's now a museum — but more notably, his arrival releases magic across the continent, leading to some strange occurrences. He has to clean up the mess, with some help in the form of guardian Charlie (Jessica Green), scientist Lysa (Olivia Morris) — who inherited the castle — and historian Connor (Bluey Robinson). For fans of the original series, Christian Kane makes a guest appearance as librarian Jacob Stone. Also returning is showrunner and executive producer Dean Devlin, who is carrying the torch on the series. He stopped by Screen Gab to talk about the new season, which currently airs on TNT and is also available for streaming on TNT's website and app, — Maira Garcia 'The Librarians' has amassed a legion of loyal fans over the years, first with the films and then with the series. What made you decide to return to it and how did you approach developing 'The Next Chapter' with a new cast? Honestly, I never wanted to stop telling stories in the world of the magical Library! When an opportunity came up to continue the franchise, I jumped at it. I didn't want to reboot the story, because in my mind (and the fans) the original team of Librarians are still out there doing missions. I wanted to focus on a different story that takes place in parallel. When the idea of a Librarian from the past appearing today, it felt like just the right 'fish out of water' story we needed to kick off a new series. The series features this push and pull of logic and magic, history and fantasy. How do you juggle history with the supernatural elements of the show? It's really important to us that viewers can Google things we talk about in our show. While we may not follow exactly the legends in the zeitgeist, we wanted there to be enough of a connection to deepen the enjoyment of our adventures. So history and mythology are at the heart of our show. Sometimes we'll give an alternate perspective or backstory, but there is always a nugget [of] connection to the stories we want to tell. Throughout your career, you've worked on a number of sci-fi and fantasy films and series like 'Stargate,' 'Independence Day' and 'The Ark.' What is it about these genres that appeals to you, and why do you think audiences gravitate toward them? Often 'escapist' entertainment is looked down upon as a lesser art form. But I find that audiences, especially after dealing with things like a pandemic, economic and personal hardships, [or] political divisions, have a real NEED to escape into a world of optimism and wonder and adventure. I'm no exception. What have you watched recently that you're recommending to everyone you know? It's not super recent, but I've loved watching 'Only Murders in the Building' [Hulu], 'Ted Lasso' [AppleTV+], 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' 'Star Trek: Picard' (especially season 3) [both on Paramount+] and the new 'Doctor Who' [Disney+]. What's your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again? If 'Tombstone' or 'Enter the Dragon' is playing on late-night TV, then I'm not getting any sleep. And of course, the 10th and 11th Doctors on 'Doctor Who' are a constant fallback watch for me.
