BBC Breakfast

Moira, floor monitor, main camera. Sooo annoying. Susanna Reid does stupid things as well - she nods in agreement with nearly everything Simon or Bill says as they say it.

I've warmed to Susannah as time has gone on.

But how many presenters do look good on two-shots - sat there silently trying to look intent, yet sincere, yet interested, yet be following what's going on, etc, etc... They've become so the norm but they rarely look particularly good. Once heard someone (a presenter on a news channel) say the only person who has an expression for every two-shot when they're not talking is Ms Burley.

Don't forget the infamous "Elstree Triangle" - so called because it was made famous by Newsroom South East.

When on a 2 shot :
1. Look down at your scripts intently as if they contain the sum of all human knowledge.
2. Look at your co-presenter as if they are the most interesting person on the planet
3. Look straight at the camera.

Repeat until it is your turn to read. Once you spotted the "triangle" it was maddening.

Two shots have their place - but so do singles.

I've tried doing it on the radio...but I don't think it has the same effect.

You have to admit that Sophie was the best brekkie presenter ... and she was at her most excellent when working with Jeremy .

Yes chaps and chapesses, I agree that the Jeremy and Sophie era was the best ever for me too. I liked the desk-bound presentation - I have never been a fan of sofa based presentation at all. The last thirty minutes of the programme coming from the sofa is just about bearable.

Also, Bill and Sian during this era were also a hit, IMO. I havent seen a great deal of the current era presentation. What I have seen, I didn't particularly like (apart of course from, Diva BIG MOIRA ). Dermot is best found behind a desk presenting serious news. He is not sofa suited.

I think one element that we are forgetting though about the Bowen / Raworth era that also contributed to the high levels of watchabilty, was the presence on set of Tanya Beckett. Tanya - as well as being an excellent and credible business presenter (and oft relief news anchor), Tanya also acted as an excellent foil for for some entertaining 3-way banter with Messrs Bowen and Raworth. This trio were highly watchable.

I look forward entirely to the return of proper desk, more sensible sofa and anchors who are far more suited to this particular style of programme. Dermot and Natasha (moreso Natasha) just do not seem to gel with the audience. I can't quite put my finger on the reasons why though.

One aspect of the programme that I really DO like, is the Breakfast Briefing.

Judging by recent posts, anyone would think you've got some work on radio.

You're right there. Jeremy, Sophie, Bill, Sian, Tanya and Rob were the perfect team for Breakfast. Jeremy and Sophie were like an old married couple, while Bill & Sian were great substitutes and brought their own brand of magic to the programme. Tanya Beckett was excellent as you say.

I must disagree that Natasha is the particular problem with the current team though. I actually really like her. Quite the opposite in fact, I think that it's Dermot who really lets the programme down now. He still, after all this time, seems lifeless and wooden. He should definitely be behind a desk. When Natasha and Dermot are on the programme feels false, slow moving and has little spark.

However, when Natasha's with Bill, the whole thing changes and I think they make a tremendous double act. I really rate Natasha as a presenter, and while I think she's good on Breakfast she's even better when she reads the weekend bulletins.

On Susanna Reid, yes, she's grown on me as well, although she's not a patch on Sian, Mishal or surprisingly good sometimes-replacement Jane. They all seemed to gel well with Bill and make the programme watchable.

Incidentally, it looks like we're going to have to wait another week for the return of Bill & Sian as Sian was still reporting on the Tsunami today.

EDIT: By the way, on two-shots, Bill & Sian do them excellently.

I think there are lot of men who are glad the presenters are sitting on sofas and not behind desks

[quote="Turnbull & Williams"]

When does Natasha do weekend News Bulletins. I've only ever seen her on Breakfst on Monday - Thursday. Can someone tell me what time she does the bulletins on weekends?

Bring Back Frank, Selina, Fern and Nick... Woolie Jumpers et al... all is forgiven.