BBC's Gabby Logan 'missing' from Great North Run as presenter replaced by co-star

Viewers tuning into the Great North Run coverage on Sunday were left stunned as long-time presenter Gabby Logan was noticeably absent. However, her replacement was a familiar face to athletics fans.

Gabby, a devoted Newcastle United fan and popular host, has been the BBC anchor for the renowned Newcastle to South Shields race for years.

She is always seen at the start line in Newcastle city centre before dashing down to the coast to oversee coverage from the finish line.

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The presenter has frequently expressed her pride in the Great North Run and her joy in being part of it, so her absence came as quite a surprise to the millions who tuned into BBC One at 10 am on Sunday.

Over the past few weeks, Gabby has been a regular fixture on our screens, hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup, which is likely why she couldn't fulfil her usual Great North Run duties.

But there was someone more than capable to fill her shoes - Jeanette Kwakye, the former Team GB sprinter who has been part of the GNR and the BBC broadcast team on numerous occasions.

Jeanette was thrilled to discover that a figure of her had been included on an elaborate Tyne Bridge structure that two men would be carrying during this year's Great North Run.

Instead of heading to Tyneside for the Great North Run this year, Gabby spent Saturday overseeing a full day of BBC coverage of the Women's Rugby World Cup.

The broadcast began at 11.45am and continued until 7.20pm, featuring matches such as England v Australia and Wales v Fiji, reports Chronicle Live.

Despite Gabby's absence, viewers tuning in sent their messages of support to those taking part.

One wrote, "My respect and best wishes to everyone taking part in the #GreatNorthRun today.

"They really are the best of us. I respect and wish everyone taking part in the #GreatNorthRun today well."

Another penned, "Good luck everyone, I watching you from home cheering each and everyone of you on. You can do it!"

Someone else added, "Today’s the day! Good luck to all of our inspiring runners taking on the Great North Run."