Celebrities

Morning Live Host Gethin Jones Explains Solo Appearance as Kym Marsh Falls Ill

Published on May 27, 2025

BBC viewers tuning in to Morning Live on Tuesday were quick to notice Gethin Jones flying solo on the show—and now the presenter has explained why.

Gethin addressed the absence of his usual co-host Kym Marsh while speaking to BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Thompson during a handover between the programmes. Ben, anchoring Breakfast alone that morning, kicked off the exchange with a light-hearted comment.

“Gethin, thank you. I’m glad you’ve got some company in your studio. I’m all on my tod this morning!” he joked. Gethin responded with an update that clarified the situation for fans: “You know, I thought the same! Unfortunately, Kym Marsh has got a bit of a sickness bug. So, Ranj is going to have two hats on today—expert and co-host as well—so I’ve got plenty of friends!”

While Morning Live didn’t air on Monday due to the bank holiday, Friday’s episode had featured Gethin co-hosting with Helen Skelton. On Tuesday, Gethin returned to the studio alone but was supported by a lineup of guest contributors including Dr Ranj Singh and financial expert Iona Bain, told Wales Online.

Meanwhile, over on BBC Breakfast, Sally Nugent was broadcasting live from Liverpool in the wake of a shocking incident during a celebratory parade for Liverpool Football Club.

Opening the programme, Nugent said:
“We are live from Liverpool city centre this morning after 47 people were injured yesterday. They had been here celebrating with Liverpool Football Club for their Premier League victory as the parade came through this very famous street at the front of Liverpool’s waterfront. Hundreds of thousands of people were here, but the scene turned into carnage.”

The incident involved a vehicle ploughing into a crowd of spectators, resulting in serious injuries. According to Nugent, one child and one adult remain in critical condition, and 25 individuals were taken to hospital. Many more were treated for injuries at the scene.

Police have arrested a 53-year-old white British man believed to be the driver of the vehicle. Authorities have confirmed the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism. During the live coverage, Sally spoke with Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, who extended his sympathies:

“Our thoughts are with those people who are still injured, and the sentiments that you’ve heard from the former players and from Everton Football Club resonate with everybody. I think everybody here feels exactly the same way.”

Both BBC Breakfast and Morning Live are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

(Image: BBC)