Jon Kay: who is Dan Walker’s BBC Breakfast replacement, who is his wife Francesca Kasteliz, how did they meet?

Earlier this month it was confirmed by the BBC that Jon Kay will become the new regular presenter on BBC Breakfast from Monday to Wednesday as Dan Walker’s replacement - however, Kay has gotten off to a tough start by missing his first official day due to a positive Covid-19 test.

Taking to Twitter, Kay posted a picture of a positive lateral flow test, with the caption: “Aaagh! Finally got me. Gutted not to be able to start the new job officially on @BBCBreakfast on Monday. I guess working from home isn’t really an option @BBCFrediani?”

Stepping in for Kay was Nina Warhurst alongside regular host Sally Nugent.

Who is Jon Kay?

Kay is an English TV presenter and journalist, and will be a familiar face to BBC Breakfast fans as he is currently a regular presenter on the show, stepping in to cover for Walker and Charlie Stayt.

After graduating from the University of Exeter in 1992, Kay joined the BBC as a trainee local reporter, where he worked at local radio stations in locations like Newcastle and Suffolk. He later got a full time job at BBC Bristol.

Following his time working in local radio and regional TV in Bristol, Kay made the move to London to work as a political reporter and news correspondent.

Currently, Kay is a news correspondent for BBC News, and in 2014 reported from Portugal on the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Talking about his job on his BBC profile, Kay has said: “Some of the reporting has been tough - like the repartraitions at Wootton Bassett, the murder of Jo Yeates and the Vanessa George child-abuse scandal.

“Hardly a month goes by without me being battered by gale-force winds or smothered in snow - but I also get to meet some amazing people and report on some fantastic things – like the Glastonbury Festival and an octogenarian sky-diver.”

Kay appeared as the BBC News at Six correspondent during the London Olympics in 2012, and as an election correspondent during the 2015 general election campaign - you might know him best as the interviewer behind the viral social media clip of a woman called Brenda from Bristol who, when asked about the upcoming general election, exclaimed: “You’re joking - not another one!”

Speaking about his new role, Kay said: “I’m over the moon to become the new regular presenter of BBC Breakfast and I’m looking forward to bringing our brilliant viewers the very latest news each morning alongside my good friend Sally and the rest of the team.

“Sitting on the famous red sofa is a real privilege while covering the stories and issues that matter to our audience – home and abroad.”

Is he married?

Kay is married to fellow former journalist and BBC News correspondent Francesca Kasteliz. The two met in the Bristol newsroom in 1998 and have three children together.

With more than 25 years experience in the TV industry, Kasteliz is currently a performance coach for presenters, reporters, spokespeople and more.

Her profile on Bristol Creative Industries says: “Whether you’re a TV presenter, would-be TV talent, a reporter/correspondent, an expert in your field, a CEO or spokesperson for your organisation – I can help you fine-tune the skills you need to be the best you can be on-air.

When did Dan Walker leave BBC Breakfast?

Walker departed from the BBC Breakfast couch on Tuesday 17 May, 2022.

He revealed the date of his last show on Tuesday 3 May, in which he said: “You know you keep asking me when I’m going? Well, I can tell you now… officially.”

He also confirmed the date on Twitter, where he posted: “So… my final day on #bbcbreakfast will be 2 weeks today! (May 17th).

“It still feels a little surreal but @sallynugenttv has promised to bake me a goodbye tart. Thank you for all the kind comments. You’re all so lovely.”

Walker left BBC Breakfast in order to take on the role as lead anchor of Channel 5 News.

Speaking about his decision to leave, Walker said: “I’m really excited but this has also been a massive decision for me because I love BBC Breakfast, I love working alongside Sally and I love the team there.

“But Channel 5 came with big ambitions, with big plans and I don’t think opportunities like this come around very often and I can’t wait.”