The first series has proved a hit with BBC Daytime viewers, informing and entertaining an average audience of 1.4m each day, consistently the most volume in its slot.

The first run concludes with an hour long episode this morning (Friday 18th December) which will see Kym and Gethin pay a visit to a food pantry in Manchester where they spread some cheer with a festive sing song, a winter walk with Chris Packham, and a very special Christmas performance from Alexandra Burke.

Morning Live has been on air following BBC Breakfast each week day at 9.15am on BBC One since the end of October. The programme combines a fresh mix of lively and entertaining topical content and expert guidance through the addition of regular guest presenters from the BBC Daytime and Early Peak presenting family. This has ranged from invaluable medical updates from Dr Xand van Tulleken, to the latest advice on security and scams from Rav Wilding, and Sabrina Grant capturing the mood of the nation with her roving reports around the country. While Anna Haugh has been on hand with recipes and food tips, Will Kirk has brought DIY expertise each week, and Dr James Greenwood (along with Oliver the dog) has shared weekly veterinary guidance. They will all return for the new series and will all feature in today’s final episode of the series.

Kym Marsh says: “This year has been really challenging and unsettling for us all. To have been able to keep our viewers company, and hopefully bring them a bit of positivity, as well as some useful tips and information, has been a real privilege for Gethin and me. I can’t wait to be back on screen with our Morning Live family and I can’t think of a better team to be beside as we navigate whatever 2021 throws at us.”

Gethin Jones says: “We are delighted to come back with Morning Live! When we started, I described the show as a big group message, and that group has grown. We will continue to work hard to put our audience at the heart of the conversations. See you soon!”

Carla-Maria Lawson, Head of BBC Daytime and Early-Peak says: “We’re delighted to be bringing back Morning Live for 2021. It’s clearly answering a need from viewers for a space where they know their real life concerns are reflected and addressed by trusted experts, as well as offering good company and much needed positivity. I look forward to seeing what the team has got in store for us next year!”

Morning Live will return early in the New Year to the 9.15am slot, and will sit alongside the other BBC Daytime popular factual and flagship favourites that air in that slot, including Crimewatch Roadshow Live and Rip Off Britain, which is back on Monday 4th January with a new series of Rip Off Britain Holidays.

Morning Live is produced by Emma Morris (Executive Producer) and Rob Unsworth (Head of The One Show) for BBC Studios. It was commissioned by Carla-Maria Lawson, Head of Daytime and Early Peak and the BBC Commissioning Editor is Rachel Platt.