Breakfast presenter Jenny-May Clarkson said ahead of her final appearance on the show this morning that she was anxious but prepared.
She also said she was looking forward to being able to give her kids a kiss and a hug before school once she no longer has to get up in the early hours to present the early morning show.
Earlier this month, it was announced Clarkson would be leaving TVNZ after nearly two decades at the broadcaster.
Clarkson fielded questions from fans on Instagram this week, sharing her thoughts ahead of the final show.
One person simply asked: “How are you feeling?”
“Excited, anxious, scared, but ready,” Clarkson replied.
Another asked who she would miss from her time on Breakfast. Clarkson singled out the makeup team as one she would particularly miss.
What’s next?
Others asked her what was coming next.
Clarkson wouldn’t confirm anything, but said she did have plans. In a separate Instagram post, she said: “This next step has been simmering for a while.”
She also responded to a question about what she would do on her first Monday without Breakfast.
“Workout, walk the dog, cook breakfast for my kids, kiss and hug them before school,” she said.
Clarkson thanked followers for the “beautiful messages” she had received.
“Thank you for filling my cup,” she said.
Opening the show this morning, Clarkson addressed the announcement that she would be leaving TVNZ after nearly 20 years. (Source: 1News)
The former Silver Fern began her TVNZ career as a netball commentator in 2005. She progressed to a variety of high-profile presenting roles and has co-hosted Breakfast since 2020.
One of TVNZ’s longest-serving presenters, Clarkson was the first wahine Māori to be appointed to the Breakfast co-host role, representing her Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Kahu heritage throughout her time on screen.
“Jenny-May is a talented broadcaster who has shown an amazing ability to connect with audiences and capture raw emotion on screen, showing empathy with communities often in tragic situations,” TVNZ Chief News and Content Officer Nadia Tolich said when she announced Clarkson was leaving.
Clarkson’s final Breakfast show is on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ from 6am this morning.
TVNZ has said it plans to refresh Breakfast in 2026 and is recruiting for a new presenter to accompany co-host Chris Chang.
