Fans celebrate Dina Pugliese's surprise return as 'Breakfast Television' co-host: 'Mornings just got so much happier'
The television personality made her return to morning television a month after Citytv "parted ways" with former hosts Meredith Shaw and Sid Seixeiro.
Dina Pugliese is back on Breakfast Television (BT) as both co-host and co-executive producer. The Toronto-born television personality returned to BT on Monday morning with former CHCH Hamilton broadcaster, Tim Bolen, as co-host. Although she previously served as BT host for more than 16 years, Pugliese resigned in February 2023 to focus on her health.
“You will find NO ONE more surprised about this news than me! It’s crazy how life works sometimes. After two years of rest and recharging, it feels like I’m stepping back into a pair of comfy slippers. It’s such a gift to be able to return to what made my life meaningful for almost 20 years – connecting, sharing, and laughing with YOU, our BT viewers. I can’t wait to continue making mornings brighter together!" she said via press release.
Following the announcement, Pugliese shared a compilation of photos and video to Instagram to celebrate her return.
“Is this a crazy dream? Was it a two-year-long nap? What in the moose-on-the-loose is going on here? Whatever it is, please don’t wake me," Pugliese captioned the post. Friends, I can’t believe it! I am back to BT, back with the crew and back with my amazing TV family that is YOU. You will find no one more surprised about all of this than me. My cup runneth over with coffee, catch-ups and gratitude. This feels incredibly surreal and incredibly emotional…”
Fans and Canadian media television personalities congratulated Pugliese on her return to BT.
“Best news ever!” wrote former Cityline host, Tracy Moore.
“I hoped it would be you and so glad to hear it is,” said The Social co-host Cynthia Loyst. "Sending you all of the virtual love and support.”
“Welcome back! The days are brighter already,” said a fan.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to see you back on BT,” another follower wrote. “So happy to wake up to you every morning again — a breath of fresh air! Made my day, D!”
“Just screamed and teared up in my living room on the phone with my mom when Dina Pugliese was announced on BT,” a fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Mornings just got so much happier.”
“Yes, BT - you have got it right!” Another said in a post on X. “Thank you! The warmth and positivity of everyone on this show was so welcomed!”
Pugliese’s return is on the heels of several high profile departures from BT. In January, Tracy Moore and Cheryl Hickey announced Citytv had scrapped plans for the pair to host a new lifestyle show. In February, Citytv “parted ways” with BT co-hosts Meredith Shaw and Sid Seixeiro as part of an “evolution” of the morning news program.
Although many fans were happy to see Pugliese back on their screens, others speculated on social media about the show’s recent shakeup.
“So, they fired Meredith and Sid to bring back Dina/different morning show hosts… would Dina only come back if Sid was fired?” One person wrote on X. “I’m so confused why this all went down. Dina is amazing… but it’s very strange how things all went down and quite shady to Meredith and Sid.”
"Could have kept Meredith, her and Dina would be great!" another said.
"Glad she’s back, but begs the question…why were Sid and Meredith let go and when was Dina approached about filling the spot? Until that is answered, you’re gonna get conspiracy of 'Dina having a hand in firing Sid and Meredith.' Unfortunate, but just get ahead of it," wrote a viewer.
“Incredible,” another said on X. “[They] totally used Meredith Shaw. Dina is well loved, but it’s very clear with the comments made about Tim leading with ‘kindness and empathy’ that Sid’s firing was a prerequisite for Dina to return. That’s what I think… .”
Despite the flurry of changes, Pugliese and Bolan join familiar faces Devo Brown, Melanie Ng, Frank Ferragine, Caryn Ceolin and Tammie Sutherland. In a statement, BT executive producer Claire Adams said the revamped show and its hosts will deliver a "uniquely Canadian perspective" and "sense of joy in the mornings."
"Dina is one of the most beloved morning show personalities in the country and her return feels like welcoming back a best friend. Tim's warmth, quick wit, and natural connection with audiences make him the perfect complement to Dina’s vibrant energy,” Adams said.
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