News presenter Simon McCoy shuts down BBC return after GB News exit

News presenter Simon McCoy has shut down rumours he is returning to the BBC . The high-profile journalist announced in March 2021 that he was leaving the broadcaster after nearly 18 years to join GB News. However, only months into his new job, the 61-year-old stepped down from GB News in December 2021. However, McCoy took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday to shut down any claims that he was returning to BBC News. He wrote: “I have just returned from a consultancy job in India. Whilst I remain a strong supporter and advocate for the BBC this is the first I’ve heard of any offer of a return! I changed my Facebook picture because I like the photo. That is all!” Simon McCoy and Carrie Gracie on BBC News (Image: Getty) Addressing reports of his return, a BBC spokesperson told Express.co.uk: ‘This is categorically wrong.’ Rumours had been widespread at the BBC suggesting bosses think McCoy would be a good replacement for Yalda Hakim, 40, who is going to Sky News, reports  The Daily Mail . McCoy also worked with John McAndrew, the BBC ‘s director of news programmes, during his stint at GB News. Earlier this month, McCoy took to Facebook and shared a photo of himself sitting behind the news desk at the BBC News studios. The snap sparked comments from his social media who wondered if he was returning, with one person writing: “You back at the Beeb?.” A second added: “That’s more like the Simon I remember.” Simon McCoy shuts down BBC rumours (Image: Simon McCoy/X) BBC bosses tipped to bring back Simon McCoy (pictured with Emma Samms) (Image: Starlight Children’s Foundation/Getty) The prospect of McCoy returning had reportedly left some sources at the BBC furious after it was claimed five female anchors who haven’t been seen on the channel since March are still in the dark over the future of their roles with the broadcaster. Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Kasia Madera, and Annita McVeigh were recently told they would be put through a recruitment process in their battle to keep their roles. McCoy, who married actress Emma Samms in October 2021, quit the BBC and was a high-profile recruit to present The Great British Breakfast for GB News, alongside Kirsty Gallacher. But McCoy, whose funny asides between stories have often gone viral, left ten months later, citing personal reasons. He was replaced by Eamonn Holmes and former Sky News newsreader Isabel Webster. Express.co.uk have approached BBC representatives for comment.