Kay Burley quits Sky News live on air with emotional statement after 36 years at station

Sky News presenter Kay Burley has announced she is quitting her role as a broadcaster after 36 years – she shared the news while live on air this morning

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Kay Burley has announced she is quitting Sky News after 36 years.

The Sky News presenter, who is a staple on the broadcaster’s breakfast show weekdays from 7am until 10am, announced she is leaving today while live on air – and shared that the show would be her last.

The 64 year old broadcaster has been part of the Sky News team since it launched 36 years ago in 1989, but sparked concern about her future on the show in May last year as she was absent for a number of weeks. Throughout her career of reading the latest news and headlines, Kay has hit the headlines herself – including an awkward interview where she made Peter Andre cry and slapping down Michael Gove’s ‘weird’ conspiracy theory.

Following reports in December the newsreader was set to quit Sky News, Kay made the announcement today as she closed the Sky News Breakfast programme. She said: “From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it’s been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.

Kay Burley has quit Sky News and shared an emotional statement ( 
Image:
Sky News)

“News by its very nature is often devastating and together we’ve covered so many life-changing events – from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.

“But we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven’t we – the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.

“But after over a million minutes of live TV news – more than anyone else in the world – its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions – including my love for travel.

“So, after covering 12 separate general elections – including Sir Keir Starmer’s victory last year – I am retiring from Sky News – let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!,” she joked as she referenced her numerous clashes with MPs over the years, before adding: “Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You’re awesome. I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch.”

Viewers and fans soon reacted to the news as one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Genuinely devastated to hear about @KayBurley leaving @SkyNews An absolute icon. Smart as hell, sharp as they come, bloody amazing company Always a total inspiration to me as a single parent and woman from a different background A sad day”.

“Good luck to Kay Burley in her retirement She had a long and distinguished career at Sky News, 36 years is a remarkable achievement Time for some fresh faces and new perspectives in UK journalism,” another added.

Before sharing her career news, Kay revealed that Sky News was marking a milestone of its own today – as the programme is 36 years old today. Speaking in a video posted to her Instagram before her TV appearance Kay said: “Good morning everyone, how are you all doing today? It’s our birthday today we are 36 years young. You’re at Sky News I’ve put my posh suit on.” Kay sported a light green satin suit for her final Sky News appearance.

After the newsreader made her announcement on air, Sky News Executive Chairman, David Rhodes, shared a note with colleagues at the station. It read: “Dear Colleagues, Just now– at the end of this morning’s Breakfast show– you will have heard Kay Burley report that she has decided to retire from Sky News. Talking with Kay about her plans, we all felt it was more fitting that Kay break this story herself. She’s done that now in her own words, and we’ll be sharing the clip on social channels today.

“A founding member of Sky News, Kay helped build our proposition from its launch in 1989. She has been a constant presence on our screens over the course of our 36 years. Kay covered 12 UK elections, leading our presentation of the most recent vote last summer. There have been numerous Royal occasions and some of most significant stories of our times– most notably the death of Diana, Princess of Wales… and the 9/11 terror attacks.

“With millions of minutes presenting live rolling news, Kay’s legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky’s legacy. And I’m sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won’t face her indomitable questioning in the mornings…. Kay confirmed that today was her final broadcast with Sky News. Of course, Breakfast continues — with the other current presenters and with our Friday-Sunday team. We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck.”

She has been part of the Sky News team since it launched in 1989. However, the presenter’s stint on the programme hasn’t come without its highs and lows. Kay was branded “tactless” in 2009 when she asked the ex-girlfriend of Suffolk Strangler Steven Wright: “Do you think if you’d had a better sex life he wouldn’t of done it?”

In 2010, Sky News received 900 complaints to Ofcom after Kay interviewed Peter Andre and the singer broke down in tears.

Viewers slammed Kay’s “intrusive manner” and claimed she had been “bullying and intimidating” when she asked the Mysterious Girl singer how he would feel if Katie Price’s then new husband Alex Reid tried to adopt the former couple’s children. However, Sky News was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Then in 2014, Kay was seen appearing to fall off an escalator while reporting on the latest developments of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Whilst in Kuala Lumpur, Kay was seen joining a media frenzy which saw the family members of those on the missing flight being chased by journalists.

In 2023, the presenter was hit with more than 1,500 Ofcom complaints after she misrepresented comments made by the Palestinian ambassador during a discussion on her show. Those watching the programme said that Kay had repeatedly misquoted the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, on three occasions. Kay allegedly claimed that Mr Zomlot had said ‘the Israelis had it coming’ but in his statement, he had said “the loss of civilian lives is tragic on all sides” and that “Israel knew this was coming their way.”

Before joining the broadcaster, Kay worked from Granada and Tynes Tees Television, where she worked on breakfast TV channel TV-am. She first began her journalism career at the age of 17 where she worked at the Evening Post and Chronicle in Wigan.