After a two-year hiatus, beloved television personality Dina Pugliese has made a triumphant return as co-host and co-executive producer of 'Breakfast Television' (BT), much to the delight of fans. The Toronto native kicked off her comeback on Monday, alongside former CHCH Hamilton broadcaster Tim Bolen, rekindling her captivating presence on the show she graced for more than 16 years before stepping back in February 2023 to focus on her health.

In a heartfelt press release, Pugliese expressed her surprise and excitement about her return. "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. 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!”

Following the announcement, she took to Instagram, sharing a joyous compilation of photos and videos. Her post captured the essence of her excitement: "Is this a crazy dream? Was it a two-year-long nap? What in the moose-on-the-loose is going on here? Whatever it is, please don’t wake me," she wrote, overflowing with gratitude for her return to BT and her loyal viewers.

The news instantly sparked uproarious celebrations among fans and fellow media personalities. Former Cityline host Tracy Moore cheered, “Best news ever!” while Cynthia Loyst, co-host of The Social, expressed her enthusiasm, saying she was thrilled to see Pugliese back. Fans erupted with joy on social media, with one gushing, “I’m absolutely over the moon to see you back on BT. So happy to wake up to you every morning again—a breath of fresh air!”

However, Pugliese's return comes against a backdrop of recent shakeups at BT, with notable departures such as Tracy Moore and Cheryl Hickey, who were set to host a new lifestyle show, and co-hosts Meredith Shaw and Sid Seixeiro, who were let go amid changes to the morning program. The recent shifts have left some fans questioning the motivations behind these decisions, with speculations surfacing on social media suggesting that Pugliese’s return could have played a role in the dismissal of her former colleagues.

Despite the swirling chatter, BT's executive producer Claire Adams maintained that this revamped cast, including familiar faces like Devo Brown and Melanie Ng, aims to deliver a uniquely Canadian perspective to mornings. "Dina is one of the most beloved morning show personalities in the country, and her return feels like welcoming back a best friend," Adams added. "Tim's warmth, quick wit, and natural connection with audiences make him the perfect complement to Dina's vibrant energy."

As viewers tune in for the new season of BT, the overwhelming sentiment is clear: mornings have indeed gotten a whole lot happier with Dina Pugliese back at the helm. Fans can only lean in and anticipate what delightful moments this dynamic duo will bring to breakfast television in the coming days!