Why is Katie Piper missing her Breakfast Show and when is she back?

Katie Piper was forced to miss her Breakfast Show last week after undergoing an "unexpected medical procedure" and has now confirmed she will be absent this week too.

The star – who suffered life-changing injuries in an acid attack in 2008 – usually hosts the programme on ITV early on Sunday mornings. It includes a mix of celebrity guests, chats with experts on various topics and tips for viewers.

So what happened, and when will she be back?

What did Katie Piper say about her procedure?

The star has had several procedures as a result of the attack 16 years ago, and last week she posted a message on Instagram saying: “Sadly, I'm not going to be on my breakfast show this weekend as I've had to have an unexpected medical procedure.

"All is well and I hope after some rest I'll be back in the hot seat next weekend.”

Piper, who is also a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women, has since confirmed that she won’t be back this week after all.

A spokesperson for the star told Yahoo: “Katie’s recovery from an eye operation has taken a little longer than expected so sadly she won’t be hosting her Breakfast Show again this week, however she looks forward to returning for the final episodes of the run next weekend.”

Who has been filling in for TV star?

When Piper missed her show, she handed the reins to Charlotte Hawkins. She wrote on Instagram: "I’ll be back soon. Thank you @charlottehawkins1 for stepping in last minute."

Good Morning Britain star Hawkins wrote a message on Instagram herself, saying that he was hosting the show as Piper was having some treatment, adding that she sent her "loads of love". She went down a storm with viewers, who said she did a brilliant job at filling in.

"It was a great show, missed you Katie but Charlotte did a fabulous job," one fan said on Instagram. "What a great show this morning thank you Charlotte for stepping in for Katie," said another.

It isn't known who will replace Piper this weekend, but it's thought that it may well be Hawkins again.

What happened to Katie Piper?

Piper suffered serious injuries when she was attacked by Stefan Sylvestre in March 2008 at the request of her ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch. Both men, who are from Shepherd's Bush in West London, received prison sentences. The TV star has since undergone multiple operations to reconstruct her face and restore her vision.

She went on to rise to fame after the acid attack, with appearances on several TV shows. Piper has also become well known for her work to help raise awareness for burns victims.

The mum-of-two has even set up her own foundation to support those living with burns and scars. And in 2009 she opened up about her experience in Channel 4 documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face.

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