Inside Louise Minchin’s off camera life as she quits BBC Breakfast after 20 years
LOUISE Minchin broke down in tears today as hosted BBC Breakfast for the final time.
The presenter announced earlier this year that she was leaving BBC Breakfast after 20 years on the sofa.
But the host, 52, has a rich life off-screen with her husband David, their two daughters, and two dogs.
When Louise is not presenting the news, she's most likely seen performing some sort of exercise.
The keen hiker, cyclist and runner keeps fans up to date on her various competitions on Instagram.
It began with her taking part in the Breakfast Christmas Cycling Challenge, which has "inspired her ongoing passion for endurance sport".
She was joined by Bill Turnbull, Susanna Reid and Charlie Stayt as they competed to see who could cycle the furthest at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester in 2012.
On Instagram, she continued to open up about her passion, sharing a photo of herself in a black-and-pink wetsuit with a bright bobble hat in September 2019.
Louise wrote: "I had one of my most crazy days training today with @time2trainclaire for a #swimrun race. In the end I thought best not to swim in my bobble hat and the purple calf guard won!"
When she's not exercising, Louise hangs out with her two Labradors: Waffle and Ruby.
The journalist shared a picture of black Lab Ruby rubbing against her face as she read emails.
She captioned this pic: "Good morning, we are talking about the impact of lock-down on our pets. Ruby has loved having us all at home and regularly helps me check my emails which is not always helpful. #lockdown #lockdownpets #bbcbreakfast"
Her husband David Minchin - a restauranteur and investor - is also into his fitness as he's a keen skier.
The pair got married in a tiny Hampshire church on June 6, 1998.
They share two teenage daughters together, Mia and Scarlett.
But the girls aren't fazed by their mother's high-profile career.
Louise told the Sunday Post: “I’m their mum, that’s the most important thing. I like the fact they see me as a working mum.
"I have always worked since they were tiny. The fact I’m on telly is no biggie.”
Louise announced she was leaving BBC Breakfast after two decades on the sofa in an emotional statement.
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She said: “I have absolutely loved being part of the 6 million strong BBC Breakfast family but after nearly two decades presenting the programme, I have decided it is time I stopped setting my alarm for 0340 in the morning.
"I will take so many memories with me, including reporting on the shock and anguish of the Manchester Arena bombing; starting a national conversation about Menopause; and the life-changing moment I took part in the Breakfast Christmas Cycling Challenge which inspired my ongoing passion for endurance sport, which I will continue when I leave.
"A big thank you to everyone who has watched and supported me, I have loved it and I will miss you all.”
Louise first presented Breakfast in 2001 and moved with the famous red sofa to Media City in Salford as a lead presenter in 2012.
LAST BREAKFAST
The newsreader joked she was leaving to escape the gruelling early starts.
Her co-star Dan Walker kicked off her farewell by taking her outside blindfolded – to reveal a crowd gathered around her wearing masks emblazoned with her face.
She was played a video montage showing highlights from her 20 years on screen.
Louise said she was "embarrassed and humbled and tearful" by the messages.
Addressing viewers, she said: "Thank you so much for your huge support. I think particularly over the last two years as well. It's been really tough, hasn't it, and I've felt we're all part of a story together, a shared history and it's been amazing to be here."
Louise added: "Some people have literally grown up watching me, as they say.
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"And I feel really privileged to have been in that position and have worked here all those years.
"There have been tough days, there have been tough stories. But it's been amazing and I'm really, genuinely touched by all those things that people have said."
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