Breakfast Television co-host Dina Pugliese says she’s leaving the show after 16 years

Dina Pugliese is leaving Citytv’s “Breakfast Television” after 16 years of co-hosting the program.

Pugliese said on Wednesday’s morning show she is feeling burned out. “It has taken both a mental and physical toll and we have to listen to ourselves,” she said.

A native of Toronto, Pugliese began her career as associate producer of Global Television’s “The Bynon Show” and reporter and producer of “Toronto Today.” She then hosted “The-A-List” in 2004 and “Star! Daily” from 2005 until 2007. She joined Breakfast Television in 2006.

Pugliese says she plans on spending her time with family, travelling and managing her beauty line, The Care Principle.

Her last day on the show will be on Feb. 24.

“Thank you so much for letting me into your living rooms, into your hearts, into your lives,” she said, holding back the tears.

In October, “Breakfast Television” said goodbye to Melanie Ng, co-host of the show for 11 years.

Ng expressed support to Pugliese on Twitter: “So proud of you … mornings will never be the same. Your humour, compassion and way you connect with people is simply unmatched. You’re a legend with a heart of gold. Honoured to have called you a colleague, even more blessed to call you a friend.”

The network recently welcomed Tammie Sutherland as full-time news anchor for the show. About a year ago, the morning program announced sports talk show host Sid Seixeiro would be joining as a co-host.

Longtime co-host Kevin Frankish, who hosted the program with Pugliese for more than a decade, left “Breakfast Television” in June 2018.

Ana Pereira is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star’s radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @anabpereiraa

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