Katie Piper has unexpectedly exited her ITV morning show this weekend due to an unforeseen medical procedure. The TV personality and activist, who has been a beacon of resilience since surviving a life-altering acid attack in 2008, made the announcement on Saturday morning. Piper, 40, assured her fans that “all is well” and expressed her hope to return to her show, Katie Piper’s Breakfast Show, next weekend after some rest.
In an Instagram post, Piper shared, “Sadly, I’m not going to be on my breakfast show this weekend as I’ve had to have an unexpected medical procedure. All is well and I hope after some rest I’ll be back in the hot seat next weekend.” She also thanked Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins for stepping in at the last minute. Hawkins responded with well wishes, writing, “Sending lots of love to you.”
Broadcaster Carol Vorderman also sent her support, saying, “Take care wonderful lady. You come first. Telly is just telly. Sending huge love and respect xxx.” Piper’s hour-long weekend breakfast show, known for its celebrity guests and topical discussions, continued with Hawkins at the helm. In the opening of Saturday’s show, Hawkins said, “Katie can’t be here this morning but she has entrusted me to look after the show and to make sure you all at home still have your Saturday fix of fun and positivity.”
The show featured guests including Gladiators star Livi Sheldon, known as Diamond, and comedian Sophie Duker. Piper has been open about her journey dealing with the complications from the acid attack she suffered at the age of 24. She has undergone more than 250 operations since then and has been a vocal advocate for burns victims through her Katie Piper Foundation, which she founded shortly after her 2009 Channel 4 documentary, Katie: My Beautiful Face.
In addition to her morning show, Piper is also a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women and has hosted a podcast, Katie Piper’s Extraordinary People, where she interviews inspirational individuals who have turned adversity into positivity. In 2021, she was made an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for her services to charity and victims of burns and other disfigurement injuries.
Piper’s unexpected exit from her show has left fans and colleagues alike sending their best wishes for a speedy recovery. Her resilience and positive outlook continue to inspire many, and her return to the show is eagerly anticipated.
