Louise Mary Minchin was born 8 September 1968 in British Hong Kong. Her father served as a Major in the Irish Guards of the British Army, and she later grew up in Berkshire, England with two siblings.

She was educated at St Mary’s School, Ascot, and later studied Spanish at the University of St Andrews. After graduating, she pursued journalism training at the London College of Communication, which led her into broadcasting.

Minchin began her journalism career working in the Latin American section of the BBC World Service, later moving into reporting and presenting roles for BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC News Channel. She became one of the main anchors on BBC News bulletins and also worked on the BBC One O’Clock News.

She is best known for presenting BBC One’s Breakfast, which she joined in the early 2000s and became a main presenter in 2012, co-hosting with Bill Turnbull, Charlie Stayt, and later Dan Walker. She presented the show for around 20 years, leaving in September 2021.

Minchin now works as a freelance presenter, author, and podcaster. She has written books including Dare to Tri and Fearless and participates in endurance sports such as triathlon. She lives with her family in Cheshire, England.