Sophie Raworth pulls out of head-to-head debate after fracturing her ankle

BBC News presenter Sophie Raworth has pulled out of moderating the head-to-head debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.

The debate, scheduled to take place on Wednesday 26 June at 8.15pm, will now be moderated by Mishal Husain, who did an outstanding job moderating the seven-party debate on Friday.

Sophie will continue to present BBC News bulletins and will still present the second day of the BBC’s general election night coverage.

“The injury I picked up at the London marathon has now been diagnosed as a fracture in my ankle. I was only told this last week during the D-Day commemorations. I’m now on crutches, in a boot and non-weight-bearing for some time,” Sophie said.

“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.”