It’s not every Sunday that television viewers do a double take — but that’s exactly what happened when Susanna Reid, one of Britain’s most recognisable breakfast presenters, made an unexpected return to the BBC.
The 54-year-old Good Morning Britain anchor sent waves through social media on Sunday (July 21), after appearing as a panel guest on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. It marked her first on-screen return to the BBC in over a decade since her high-profile departure from BBC Breakfast — and fans were left both “surprised and confused”, but overwhelmingly thrilled.
Taking to Instagram to mark the occasion, Susanna posted a behind-the-scenes photo from the set, smiling in a sleek red suit and writing:
“SUNDAY! Always fantastic to be on @bbclaurak back at the BBC… Back @gmb tomorrow!”
The post lit up her comments section with nostalgia and admiration. One fan exclaimed: “A nice surprise this morning! Usually guests are a bit boring!” Another wrote: “Watched it just because you were on it — missed seeing you on the BBC!”
From BBC Roots to ITV Royalty
Though most viewers today associate Susanna with her commanding presence on ITV’s Good Morning Britain — a role she’s held since its launch in 2014 — her roots run deep at the BBC.
Reid began her broadcasting career in the early 1990s as a news producer at BBC Radio Bristol before moving on to BBC Radio 5 Live and eventually rising through the ranks to become one of the Beeb’s most familiar faces. She joined BBC Breakfast in 2001, forming an iconic presenting duo with the late Bill Turnbull and later, Charlie Stayt.
Her calm authority, empathetic interviewing style, and ability to hold her own in political debate made her a household name. During her 13-year stint, she covered major global events, royal milestones, and plenty of early-morning laughs — earning the public’s trust and the admiration of colleagues.
Why She Left the BBC
In 2014, Reid shocked many by announcing her departure from BBC Breakfast to front ITV’s brand-new breakfast offering, Good Morning Britain. The move was seen as a bold step — and a significant coup for ITV.
Reid’s decision raised eyebrows at the time. Many speculated that the Beeb’s more rigid structure left little room for on-screen evolution, while GMB offered more creative freedom and the challenge of building a new brand from scratch.
It paid off. Over the years, Reid has become the backbone of GMB, known for her fiery political interviews, measured handling of co-hosts like Piers Morgan, and her unflappable presence during breaking news moments.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Her return to the BBC on Sunday, even as a guest, felt to many like the closing of a loop. It was also a timely reminder of her journalistic versatility. Appearing alongside host Laura Kuenssberg, Susanna contributed thoughtful insights into current affairs, reminding viewers that her roots are just as much in hard news as they are in breakfast telly.
The surprise appearance also triggered a wave of nostalgia from longtime fans who fondly remember her BBC Breakfast days. Some questioned whether she missed the BBC’s journalistic environment. One fan poignantly asked on Instagram:
“How much do you miss working at the BBC?”
Others floated the idea of her eventually returning full-time — though Reid has shown no signs of leaving GMB any time soon.
Entertainment, Resilience, and Staying Power
In addition to her broadcasting credentials, Reid has dabbled in entertainment, showing her lighter side. She finished runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, and more recently, appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox alongside her son.
Her blend of professionalism and warmth has helped her stay at the top of the game in a notoriously tough industry — particularly as a woman in her fifties navigating the challenges of public scrutiny and career longevity.
Her appearance comes at a time when several veteran broadcasters are in the headlines. BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, now 63, recently opened up about facing ageism and online trolls, saying she’s learned to let nasty comments roll off her “like water off a duck’s back.”
So, What’s Next for Susanna Reid?
For now, it seems Susanna is firmly rooted at Good Morning Britain. She returns to the ITV sofa with her usual professionalism, balancing politics, celebrity interviews, and the occasional chaos that comes with live breakfast television.
But her BBC reappearance might signal more than just a fleeting visit — it could hint at wider media collaborations, or at the very least, a warm reminder of the career foundation that helped shape her.
One thing is certain: whether on ITV or the BBC, Susanna Reid continues to be one of the most respected and compelling broadcasters on British television.