Williams declines Breakfast move

BBC Breakfast presenter Sian Williams will not move north with the programme when it relocates to its new base in Salford, the corporation has confirmed.

She and presenter Chris Hollins have decided not to take part in the move for “personal reasons”, the BBC said.

Both Bill Turnbull and Susanna Reid will stay on after the move to the BBC’s new northern headquarters.

Breakfast editor Alison Ford said it was “great news” that 46% of the team will relocate in April 2012.

“We always knew there would be those who wouldn’t be able to make the move for domestic reasons,” she added.

“But we’ll have a really strong line-up of producers and presenters working together in MediaCity.”

According to the corporation, both Williams and Hollins would “continue to be involved in the programme for the foreseeable future”.

Helen Boaden, director of BBC News, said she was “delighted that so many staff have decided to make the journey”.

“I am sure it will go from strength to strength in its new home.”

The BBC announced last July that its flagship early morning breakfast show would be broadcast from the MediaCityUK complex from next year.

Boaden said the move was “another important step in marking the BBC’s commitment to expand its presence beyond London”.