Torontonians are excited to wake up with Dina Pugliese once again, as the beloved long-time host is making a return to Breakfast Television alongside new co-host Tim Bolen.
Pugliese bid farewell to the morning program in February 2023 after 16 years on-air, citing prioritizing family and health as her reason for leaving.
Monday’s comeback announcement comes a little over a month after hosts Meredith Shaw and Sid Seixeiro were let go from the show. The duo had co-hosted BT since 2023, when Shaw replaced Pugliese. Since then, it has been temporarily led by sports and entertainment specialist Devo Brown, and CityNews host Melanie Ng.
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Starting today, Pugliese is kickstarting weekday mornings with dynamic television personality Bolen and the rest of the BT gang by their side, including Brown, Ng, Frank Ferragine (aka Frankie Flowers), Caryn Ceolin, and Tammie Sutherland.
Along with being a host again, Pugliese has been named co-executive producer of BT.
“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,” Pugliese said in a press release on Monday.
“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!”
As of today, BT is also being broadcasted from a new studio inside the office of parent company Rogers Sports & Media, near Bloor and Sherbourne streets, as the morning show had its last taping from its iconic Yonge and Dundas location on Friday.
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Online, BT fans are ecstatic about Pugliese’s return to their daytime screens, and many are curious to know more about her co-host.
“I am so happy to see you back with the flock Dina,” a user said on X.
“Nice to see a familiar face and a new one,” another user said.
“We missed you Dina, and the joy you bring!! So happy for this news,” one fan wrote.
“LOVE Dina…. who is the other guy???,” one user questioned.
Bolen’s career in Canadian television spans over two decades, holding his most recent role as a host of Hamilton’s CHCH Morning Live for 13 years until this January. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bolen is a devoted family man, and an enthusiastic champion of Canada’s food and music scenes. Now taking on the role at the iconic BT, he says he’s excited to join Pugliese every weekday morning.
“For over 35 years, BT has set the benchmark for morning television. Many incredible hosts have paved the way, and I feel truly privileged to add my name alongside them,” Bolen said in a press release.
“But the real pinch-me moment? Getting to co-host with the best in her triumphant return! I’ve admired Dina for years and from the moment we connected, the TV spark was undeniable. I know we’ll turn that into a big yellow bulb of sunshine for audiences to wake up with.”
Audiences can tune into BT each weekday from 6 to 10 a.m. ET on Citytv and Citytv+ in Ontario.
