BBC presenter QUITS show after seven years – admitting early morning starts are ‘brutal’

BBC presenter Katie Smith has revealed she has quit her job at the 5 Live Breakfast Show, citing the ‘brutal’ mornings.

The broadcaster has been fronting the show alongside Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards but said she feels ready for a new role.

Taking to X/Twitter, she wrote: ‘I’m leaving the wonderful 5 Live Breakfast show in a couple of weeks after a brilliant few years of mayhem with Rachel Burden, Rick Edwards, and the amazing producers and editors.

‘I still remember the first time I walked into MediaCity and I knew I had to work there.

‘Fast-forward a few years, and I can’t believe how much I’ve learnt, the people I’ve met, and, more especially, the places I have been privileged enough to visit.’

Katie then admitted the very early start time was a factor in her decision to step away from the show, writing: ‘The morning alarms are brutal, and it’s time to have a new adventure – which is the plan for 2025 and beyond.’

The broadcaster has been fronting the show alongside Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards but said she feels ready for a new role

However, the presenter still plans to work with 5 Live going forward.

She added: ‘I’m so proud I am still doing lots of that for 5 Live Sport and the BBC, which will still bring us together for the biggest moments better than anyone else.’ 

Katie’s colleague Rachel Burden wrote in resonse: ‘Absolutely gutted you’re going, you’ve been a total joy, always bringing the vibes and the knowledge. We’re going to miss you BIG TIME.’ 

Katie has been with the breakfast show since 2017 and she was also part of the BBC team for the Olympics in Paris.  

It comes after another 5 Live regular, Karishma Patel announced she has quit the BBC after nearly five years.

The presenter, who joined the broadcaster back in 2020, has read the news on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Two and the BBC News Channel. 

Revealing her departure in a social media post this week, she explained how she would be leaving for a new role. 

Karishma shared a photo of herself behind the desk from her time at 5 Live. 

Katie wrote: ‘I can’t believe how much I’ve learnt, the people I’ve met, and, more especially, the places I have been privileged enough to visit’ 

Katie admitted the very early start time was a factor in her decision to step away

She wrote: ‘Goodbye to @BBCNews after four-and-a-half years of newsreading, reporting, and producing.’

Karishma continued: ‘I’m off to a non-profit called the Britain Palestine Media Centre, where I’ll be their Senior Social Media Engagement Officer – taking care of all things social media journalism related!’ 

She was flooded by well-wishes as people shared: ‘Wishing you all the best in your future career’; ‘Good luck Krishma! Great move’; ‘Best of luck & stay radical out there.’

It comes after another 5 Live regular, Karishma Patel announced she has quit the BBC after nearly five years