BBC BREAKFAST has had a show shake-up as Sally Nugent was replaced just hours after her emotional tribute to close friend Rob Burrow.
The Rugby League player passed away yesterday after a brave battle with MND (Motor Neurone Disease).
Sally Nugent, 52, paid heartbreaking tribute to pal Rob, who died at the age of 41, on several of her social media profiles.
She posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Smallest player on the pitch. But a giant of a man ???????? There’s only one Rob Burrow x."
On her Instagram, she posted a string of photos of Rob - including a picture of her with his daughter - in a further tribute.
Putin accused of surrounding himself with same 'actors' at series of events
She captioned the album: "Shoot for the moon. Land in the stars @rob7lindsey xxx."
The pair previously got to know each other as BBC Breakfast chronicled Rob's battle with MND.
BBC Royal Correspondent Sarah Campbell, 50, replaced Sally on the main sofa today as she presented alongside Jon Kay, 54.
But just hours after the news of his death, she instead appeared on the sofa as a guest as she spoke about her friend.
Devastated Sally said: "I've got a list of notes here with all the kind of the facts and figures about Rob and the money that him and Kevin [Sinfield] have raised and the incredible career he's had.
"And actually the numbers don't really matter so much this morning, do they? What matters is talking about that man, and we've seen him as a player, we've seen that strength.
"What a powerhouse he was. Like Kevin said that was his superpower, that stature.
"People would look at him. You know, when he was a kid trying to play rugby in his local team. Everyone said he was too small. And he ignored them all.
"And that is what made him so, so powerful.
"He was incredibly brave, frightened of nobody, these huge, big, intimidating men like miles taller than him, he didn't care he knew he could beat them."
Edinburgh Hogmanay revellers stuck in queues for TWO HOURS in torrential rain
Sally then went on to pay further tribute to the star for not just his legacy on the pitch, but for the awareness he raised for MND.
She continued: "He was fighting for every single day. And he was changing what people thought about MND along the way.
"[For] lots of people who are diagnosed with motor neurone disease, it's devastating.
"You know, he describes being given a leaflet in a shabby room and being sent home with his own thoughts and Google. It's devastating.
"And I think what he did that changed everything for people who were diagnosed with motor neurone diseases. He then did not hide away. Lots of people just want to stay home.
"It's frightening to go out. You're losing, you know, your power to walk, to communicate.
"What he did was he invited us in at his most vulnerable moments, which is an incredible thing to do.
"And he went on and carried on living a life. He went out went out on holidays, he went to like to watch the kids dancing.
"He went to every social event he could possibly do, he went to watch games and he refused to just stay inside and hide away. And that I think is very, very powerful."
She added: "I'm sure we'll talk about his legacy. And the legacy in charity terms is incredible. I think that's one of the most important things he did."
Viewers then took to social media in their droves as they praised the presenter for her appearance and heartfelt words for the sports star on air.
One fan said: "Wonderful and emotional tribute by @sallynugent on @BBCBreakfast. Respect & Thanks RIP Rob."
Another said: "@Sallynugent you are brilliant. #BBC should be proud of you. RIP #RobBurrows."
A third wrote: "Lovely words from Sally Nugent about Rob Burrow on BBC Breakfast this morning.
"Loved how she smiled when talking about him, really lovely. It's so so sad."
And a fourth fan commented: "Doing so brilliantly reporting on @BBCBreakfast.
"The time she has spent with Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield, she must feel so sad and has still managed to hold it together."
