Andrew Marr missed his eponymous breakfast show this morning as he continued his convalescence from a stroke he suffered last week, with Ed Miliband wishing him a speedy recovery during a programme hosted by stand-in presenter James Landale.
Addressing the usual host's absence immediately, Landale, deputy political editor at BBC News, told viewers: "It would of course be a much better morning if Andrew were here and not me, but I'm keeping the chair warm while he is away getting better. We all look forward to his speedy recovery and wish him and his family well and all the best in the meantime."
Landale was judged to have given an assured performance in difficult circumstances by commentators. He was described as "polite but tough" by one, and "neither fawning or Paxo pantomime dame aggressive," by another.
In the latest update on his condition, issued late on Friday, Marr, a former editor of The Independent, was said to be "responding to medication" while "continuing to progress". A spokesman added: "He and his family are touched by all the warm wishes and support."
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