Kay Burley celebrates Sky News return after being suspended over Covid rule breach

Kay Burley has told of her happiness as she gets ready to return to Sky News after being suspended for breaking lockdown rules.

The 60-year-old newsreader was suspended for six months after breaching rules while celebrating her birthday with colleagues in December.

However, she has now confirmed that she will be back on Monday (7 June).

Tweeting a picture of herself on a sofa with a smile on her face and her arms raised in the air in glee, Burley wrote: “See you on Monday. Hope you’re as happy as I am to be back.”

"Great to be back," she added on Instagram.

Many fans said they were looking forward to seeing Burley on their screens again.

“Love your presenting, looking forward to you being back,” one tweeted, while another said it was “great news”.

“My birthday on Sunday, I can't wait to see you back on Monday, my best hangover cure, but please not too loud x,” quipped another.

However, other people were less enthusiastic.

“Absolutely NOT,” said one person. “How can you hold anyone to account when your own behaviour lacking.”

“Won’t be watching,” said another.

Burley was suspended from Sky News following an internal investigation. Political editor Beth Rigby and north of England correspondent Inzamam Rashid were given three month suspensions.

The three Sky News staff were among a party of 10 who attended a meal in London on 5 December to celebrate Burley’s birthday. The broadcaster then briefly popped into another restaurant.

At the time London was under Tier 2 government restrictions – which stated people could not socialise with anyone outside their household indoors. Socialising outdoors in a public place or garden was restricted to ‘the rule of six’.

Apologising at the time, Burley tweeted: “I have today agreed with Sky News to step back from my broadcasting role for a period of reflection.

"It's clear to me that we are all in the fight against Covid-19 and that we all have a duty to stick firmly by the rules.

Watch: Kay Burley off air for six months after breaking Covid rules

"It doesn't matter that I thought I was Covid-compliant on a recent social event. The fact is I was wrong, I made a big mistake, and I am sorry."

"Some dear friends and colleagues - some of the most talented and committed professionals in our business - have been pulled into this episode and I regret this enormously," she said.

"I was one of the founding presenters on Sky News. No one is prouder of our channel's reputation, the professionals on our team, and the impact we make.

"I very much look forward to being able to continue my 32-year career with Sky when I return."