Emma Vardy Delivers Tragic News on BBC Breakfast: Remembering Perry Bamonte and Devon Swimmers

Saturday mornings on BBC Breakfast are usually filled with the familiar comfort of news, weather, and gentle conversation. But on December 27, 2025, Emma Vardy, co-presenting with Charlie Stayt, faced the weighty responsibility of delivering not one but two tragic stories that resonated across the country.

Within minutes of going live, the atmosphere shifted as Stayt announced, “Now the guitarist and keyboard player with The Cure, Perry Bamonte, has died at the age of 65.” Vardy, steady and compassionate, added detail: “He featured on albums including Wild Mood Swings and Bloodflowers. The band said he died after a short illness.” The show aired a tribute segment, chronicling Bamonte’s creative journey and the mark he left on modern music.

The Cure’s official statement, shared via Bristol Post, captured the sense of loss: “It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas.” Described by his bandmates as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative,” Perry—known to friends as Teddy—was more than a musician. He was the heartbeat behind some of the band’s most iconic tracks, performing on records like Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, and Acoustic Hits. His tenure stretched from 1990 to 2005, before a return in 2022, and he was set to join The Cure’s UK and European tour in 2026.

Tributes quickly poured in. Drummer Lol Tolhurst posted on Instagram, “So sad to hear about Perry Bamonte passing. Cindy and I send our condolences to all that knew him. Farewell, Teddy.” Fans echoed the sentiment, sharing memories of how Bamonte’s music shaped their lives. “R.I.P. Perry Bamonte, your music with The Cure changed my life,” wrote one. Another reflected, “Rest in peace, Perry Bamonte. His work helped shape a defining era of The Cure.” The ripple of grief was felt worldwide—proof that Bamonte’s legacy transcended the stage.

Yet, the morning’s sorrow did not end there. Vardy and Stayt also reported a tragedy closer to home: the loss of two swimmers who disappeared after a Christmas Day dip off the East Devon coastline. The search for antique dealer Matthew Upham, 63, and another man in his 40s was called off after a massive emergency effort. Reporter Rebecca, on location, described how the swim at Budleigh Salterton, meant to be festive, turned into a desperate rescue operation. “On social media, Matthew’s family says they’re heartbroken by their loss and wanted to thank the emergency services for their tireless efforts and professionalism. They say Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.”

The sea that morning was unforgiving. Mike Brown, a participant, recounted his narrow escape: “The conditions were worse than normal. One got knocked over, and they aborted the first time. Then another wave hit me. As quick as it started, it was over. I was on the beach, and I was safe.” Several others needed hospital care, but for two families, the outcome was devastating.

Through both stories, Emma Vardy’s presence was quietly crucial. She balanced journalistic clarity with genuine empathy, guiding viewers through the details without losing sight of the human cost. The tributes and reports were not just news—they were moments of shared grief, reminders of how loss touches communities and the importance of honoring memory.

BBC Breakfast, airing daily at 6am on BBC One, is often a window into Britain’s morning routines. But on this particular Saturday, it became a space for collective mourning, reflection, and gratitude—for the artists who inspire, and for the lives that shape the heart of local communities.

Emma Vardy’s broadcast stands as a testament to the role of journalism in moments of loss: not just to inform, but to honor and connect. In times of sorrow, it is the steady voice, the compassion in delivery, that helps viewers navigate grief and remember what truly matters.