The BBC has been forced to change its presenter for the upcoming General Election debate due to a medical issue. Sophie Raworth had been due to moderate Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer going head-to-head in Nottingham on June 26.
But a fractured ankle means that she now will not be able to do so. The BBC News presenter, 56, will continue to present bulletins and the second day of the BBC’s election night coverage, but Mishal Husain will step in for presenting duties instead for the debate.
Raworth said: “The injury I picked up at the London Marathon (Sunday, April 21) has now been diagnosed as a fracture in my ankle. I was only told this last week during the D-Day commemorations. I’m now on crutches, in a boot and non-weight-bearing for some time.
“Mishal Husain is a fantastic presenter and will be brilliant at moderating what is a really important debate for both the two leaders and the BBC. I’m delighted she is doing it.”
She will be replaced by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme host Husain, who hosted a previous debate by the broadcaster, which included representatives from the seven main parties including Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner and House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt for the Conservatives.
Tory leader Mr Sunak and Labour’s Sir Keir, who have previously debated on ITV, has been extended to be from 8.15pm until 9.30pm. Husain said: “Sophie has been remarkable in the pace and the way she’s worked in recent weeks, despite her injury.
“I can’t see myself ever stepping into her running shoes but she can count on me for this, as the two prime ministerial candidates face each other for their last television encounter.”
The BBC said an interview, part of a series with Today programme presenter Nick Robinson for Panorama, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been “postponed for logistical reasons”.
Jonathan Munro, deputy chief executive of BBC News, said: “These debates are a key moment in the campaign – giving voters the chance to ask questions of their future prime minister.
“Mishal did an outstanding job on Fri