THE BBC's Louise Minchin yesterday announced she would be leaving Breakfast after nearly two decades on air.

The presenter, 52, delivered an emotional statement while on the show on Tuesday morning, leaving fans and viewers devastated.

Read more: Louise Minchin confirms she is stepping down from BBC Breakfast

But who could replace her? Here is a look at the runners and riders who could potentially take up her role on the red sofa (if they fancied it).

– Sally Nugent Journalist and newsreader

Nugent has been filling in for BBC Breakfast’s regular hosts on a freelance basis since November 2011 and currently serves as the show’s main relief presenter.

Since 2012 she has also presented the sports bulletins alongside Mike Bushell, positioning her to take over from Minchin.

– Piers Morgan

Former tabloid editor Morgan’s dramatic departure from ITV rivals Good Morning Britain in March means he is currently without a full-time broadcasting job.

In Morgan’s last week, the programme surpassed the ratings of BBC Breakfast for the first time.

– Bill Turnbull

Turnbull was the main male presenter of BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016 when he stepped down to pursue other opportunities, prompting praise from figures including then Prime Minister David Cameron.

The veteran broadcaster could return to fill the space left by Minchin, if only temporarily.

– Charlene White

The first black woman to present the ITV News At Ten, White joined ITN in 2008 after a number of senior positions at the BBC.

She became a regular presenter on ITV daytime show Loose Women following the departure of Andrea McLean earlier this year.

– Eamonn Holmes

From 2006 until January 2021, Holmes co-hosted ITV’s flagship daytime show This Morning with his wife Ruth Langsford on Fridays.

Since then he has presented during the school holidays only, offering him more time for other opportunities.

– Kay Burley

Burley was one of the founding presenters of Sky News and has worked on the channel since it launched in 1988.

She has spent the last six months off work after being suspended in September after she admitted breaking coronavirus rules.

– Jeremy Vine

With experience across TV and radio, Vine may be among the contenders for Minchin’s role.

Best known as the host of his BBC Radio 2 lunchtime news and music programme, he has since September 2018 presented his own Channel 5 daily current affairs show.