The BBC star signed off for a two-week Christmas break following technical issues.
09:27, 21 Dec 2025Updated 09:27, 21 Dec 2025
During the most recent edition of BBC Breakfast, presenters Roger Johnson and Emma Vardy — who revealed she’d experienced a small fire incident over the weekend — ran through the day’s top stories.
The programme paused its regular schedule to air the Newswatch segment, which typically broadcasts on Saturdays.
As the feature began, host Samira Ahmed informed audiences that this particular episode would differ from the norm, as it marked the final instalment of the year.
She said: “Something a little different for our last show of the year.”
Typically, the segment sees Samira presenting viewer feedback on the BBC’s reporting of various events, with audiences criticising the corporation’s coverage, reports the Express.
The BBC star announced it was the last show for two weeks(Image: BBC)
But in a departure from the usual format, the presenter explained: “Coming up, plenty has gone wrong for BBC News in 2025, but this week we focus on what you’ve admired about the corporation’s journalism.”
Alongside video messages and comments from viewers applauding particular elements of the BBC’s news output this year, Samira also interviewed correspondents Henry Zeffman and Lyse Doucet.
As Newswatch drew to a close, Samira revealed the programme would be taking an extended break.
She said: “Well, we’re off air now for the next two weeks. But do continue to send us your thoughts on how the BBC covers the news and join us again in the New Year. Goodbye and until then, Happy Christmas.”
BBC viewers shared their thoughts on the change to the segment(Image: BBC)
The announcement follows a minor technical glitch on Saturday when the feature failed to air during its scheduled time slot. On X, the official Newswatch account issued an apology for the technical mishap, which also affected a later broadcast attempt.
They posted on Saturday: “Apologies that we weren’t on @BBCBreakfast and a faulty version of the programme briefly appeared on the @BBCiPlayer.”
The message continued: “We are sorting out our technical gremlins and should be back on the iPlayer in all our glory soon. And hoping to appear on Breakfast tomorrow…watch this space!”
Prior to their final episode going to air, the team acknowledged the ‘delay’ once more, confirming that Samira would be appearing alongside Henry and Lyse.
Henry Zeffman and Lyse Doucet on Newswatch(Image: BBC)
Yet viewers appeared less than impressed with the programme’s format, with one commenting: “The BBC thanking and congratulating the BBC for the BBC, via Newswatch for and on behalf of the BBC. Sums it up perfectly!!!!”
Another viewer remarked: “Funny how they all turn up for praise.”
Whilst a third quipped: “Oh, this is hilarious. #Newswatch spending an entire programme telling everyone how great #bbcnews is, and how wonderful the presenters all are!”.
BBC Breakfast can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.