It's quite interesting to see Huw and Fiona's profile rising a bit in 1996 and 1997. I seem to recall initially they only presented news summaries, but they seem to have been phased into Breakfast News a bit more in the run-up to taking on the Six in 1999.
It's quite interesting to see Huw and Fiona's profile rising a bit in 1996 and 1997. I seem to recall initially they only presented news summaries, but they seem to have been phased into Breakfast News a bit more in the run-up to taking on the Six in 1999.
There was a period in the summer of 1997 when Huw Edwards and Gavin Esler between them presented Newsnight for about six weeks, with all the regular presenters absent, which I remember reading was to give them more experience in presenting as they were going to be doing a lot of it on News 24 when that launched.
I wouldn't say their presence in 1997 was so unusual, Jon Sopel and, when we see the Six, Diana Madill were about the same level at that point.
It's quite interesting to see Huw and Fiona's profile rising a bit in 1996 and 1997. I seem to recall initially they only presented news summaries, but they seem to have been phased into Breakfast News a bit more in the run-up to taking on the Six in 1999.
Huw had also had a decent stint as one of Krishnan Guru-Murthy's replacements (along with George Alagiah) in the 1200-1600 slot on BBC News 24 prior to taking over the Six, as well as being the News 24 Political Correspondent (or similar title).
Being able to present BBC News 24 in the late 90s was a real test of presentation skills.
Jeremy Bowen's debut on Breakfast News there, just for a limited period (seemingly between Justin Webb's departure and John Nicolson becoming the main presenter). I remember there were letters to the Radio Times saying what a breath of fresh air he was, which presumably they remembered when they came to decide on the presenters for Breakfast.
I remember Jon Sopel did, solo, the unscheduled Breakfast News on Good Friday to cover the Good Frday Agreement.
Jeremy was pretty much one of the main presenters in the first quarter of 1998, doing 3 days a week most weeks with Sophie (Andrew Harvey and Liz McKean did the other 2 days). He then covered for another week in the summer. Justin Webb returned in the April and then seemed to leave in early September when John Nicholson took his place.
I was a bit surprised to see Jeremy crop up so much in 1998 as he didn't think he started until October 2000, although I can see now why he got the main gig when Breakfast started.