25 years on screen: THE BREAKFAST CLUB

The early rising presenters have brightened our mornings since 1997

- Rebekah Hebenton

For 25 years, Kiwis across the country have started their day with the friendly faces of the Breakfast team. To celebrate a quarter century on air, the Weekly speaks to presenters past and present about how the show has changed their lives, and why everyone from broadcast legends to first-time reporters wants to land a spot on the beloved show.

Matty McLean

I was this close to being arrested on national television!'

Starting as Breakfast's roving reporter in 2007, Matty McLean has done his fair share of wacky stunts on live TV. But he says no story will ever compare to the time he almost ended up in handcuffs over a dare from then-host Paul Henry.

"Back in 2010, while doing a live cross from outside the Prime Minister's official residence in Wellington, I was dared to see if I could jump the fence," recalls Matty. "Turns out the security at Premier House really don't like it when you do that and I was this close to being arrested on national television. Twelve years later and viewers still remind me of that moment."

Matty left the show in 2010 other opportunities to pursue Then, in 2017, a couple of weeks after he moved to London, he was asked to re-join the team as the weatherman. Matty says abandoning his OE was the easiest decision he ever made.

"Working as the roving Wellington reporter for three years was the most incredible experience. Breakfast became my home, and my family, and when I was asked to come back to be their weather presenter, it was honestly a no-brainer. love this show so much," enthuses the 35-year-old. "Plus, a week after moving home from London to take the job as the weather presenter, I met my now-fiancé Ryan - so thanks, I guess!"