Sophie Raworth, one of the BBC’s most prominent presenters, has stepped down from hosting the anticipated Prime Ministerial Debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer. The event, scheduled for 26 June, was to be the final televised debate before the general election on 4 July. However, Sophie Raworth was forced to withdraw due to a fractured ankle, an injury she sustained during the London Marathon.
An Unexpected Injury
In a statement, Sophie Raworth explained that her ankle injury was diagnosed as a fracture after a medical evaluation following the D-Day commemorations. “I was only told this last week,” said Sophie Raworth. “I’m now on crutches, in a boot, and non-weight-bearing for some time.” Despite her injury, she has continued to fulfill her role at the BBC, but the demands of hosting such a significant live debate have led her to step aside.
BBC presenter Mishal Husain, who recently moderated a debate involving seven of Britain’s biggest political parties, will take over as the debate’s host. Sophie Raworth expressed her confidence in Husain, stating: “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.”
Continued Role at BBC
Although Sophie Raworth will miss hosting the Prime Ministerial Debate, she will continue her duties presenting BBC News bulletins. Additionally, she will still feature on the second day of the BBC’s general election night coverage. BBC colleagues, including Mishal Husain and Laura Kuenssberg, have praised Sophie Raworth for her resilience. Husain commented: “Sophie has been remarkable in the pace and the way she’s worked in recent weeks, despite her injury.”
Jonathan Munro, BBC News deputy chief executive, emphasized the importance of the debate, calling it “a key moment in the campaign” and sending well wishes to Sophie Raworth for a speedy recovery.
The debate will take place in Nottingham and will air live from 20:15 to 21:30 BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
