BBC Breakfast star Charlie Stayt has been a familiar face on the show for more than 15 years, but he's faced his fair share of challenges over the years
09:32, Mon, Nov 3, 2025 Updated: 09:35, Mon, Nov 3, 2025
BBC Breakfast’s Charlie Stayt is most recognised for presenting the hit show and has been a fixture on the programme for over 15 years.
He usually wakes up the nation with the latest news headlines alongside his co-star, Naga Munchetty and the two journalists have fronted the show together with the duo becoming regular presenters in 2014.
Prior to that, Charlie had been a presenter on the show since 2006, and Naga had been a casual presenter before becoming a main host in 2014.
However, the veteran broadcaster has encountered various difficulties throughout his career. What remains relatively unknown is that he previously battled a debilitating health issue affecting his foot.
In 2014, Dr Amrit Ryatt featured on BBC Breakfast to discuss gout. According to Arthritis UK, gout represents a type of arthritis. It develops when uric acid crystals accumulate in and surrounding a person's joints.
BBC Breakfast’s Charlie Stayt has been a fixture on the programme for over 15 years (Image: BBC)
Review, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"It's an inflammatory type of arthritis," Dr Ryatt explained at the time. "It's the most common form, and it can affect one or several joints in the body, giving a variety of symptoms - some short, acute symptoms, and if left untreated, it can go on to cause other complications."
She added: "Women have likened it to childbirth, and men also describe it as very painful too. Some people can't even tolerate having a simple bed sheet touching the joint that's affected. It's that painful."
At that point, research indicated that 1 in 40 individuals across the UK suffered from gout and whilst on air, Charlie disclosed that he was amongst those affected.
"I'm not over keen on sharing my medical history on television, but I've had gout in my foot and it is extraordinarily painful and happened very quickly – literally, sort of, overnight," he shared.
"And it makes you question, because it's linked to diet a lot, traditionally it's alcohol for example."
BBC Breakfast Jon and Sally shared heartbreaking news on Monday, November 3 (Image: BBC)
It comes as colleagues Jon Kay and Sally Nugent were forced to deliver some heart breaking news on Monday’s (November 3) episode of BBC Breakfast.
Passengers travelling from Doncaster to London were attacked in a mass stabbing on a train on Saturday night. Eleven people received treatment in hospital following the attack. One - a member of the train staff - is in a life-threatening condition.
Speaking to viewers at home, Sally opened the show by saying: “Good morning. It’s Monday, the 3rd of November. Extra police officers are being deployed across England’s rail network today, after passengers were attacked in a mass stabbing on a train from Doncaster to London.”
Jon explained: “One member of rail staff remains in a life-threatening condition this morning. A 32-year-old man from Peterborough is now the only suspect.”
It has since been confirmed that Anthony Williams has been charged with one count of actual bodily harm and one count of possession of a bladed article.
BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer