BBC wheel out Gavin Grey as strike cripples news programmes

The BBC has called upon Gavin Grey for its news services today as a strike by the National Union of Journalists leads to programme chaos and cancellations.

Once an unfamiliar face on television, Gavin Grey is quickly becoming the sign which lets you know the BBC are on strike.

Viewers woke up this morning to what was listed as Breakfast, but was essentially 30 minute BBC News updates at 6am, 7am and 8am. Gavin presented the programme which was also seen to a worldwide audience on BBC World News.

Through the day on BBC News Channel and BBC World News there has been many recorded programmes playing out at half past the hour, with a simulcast news at the top of the hour. Gavin has been on-hand through the day on the News Channel as the regular rota is put to one side today.

BBC has confirmed this afternoon that Newsnight will not air tonight on BBC Two, instead being replaced with Wonders of Life at 10.30pm. Panorama on BBC One at 8.30pm is listed to air as usual.

BBC Radio programmes have also been affected with Radio 4 being hardest hit. Its flagship breakfast programme, Today, was off air and key programmes also cancelled. For a full report, click here.