Sophia Mitchell
As of 2025, Dina Pugliese, the co-host of Citytv's morning show Breakfast Television, is 49 years old. She was born on May 22, 1974, and grew up in Woodbridge, Ontario. Pugliese joined Breakfast Television in 2006 and left the show in February 2023, before returning as co-host in March 2025.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dina Pugliese |
| Date of Birth | 22 May 1974 |
| Age | 49 years |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Italian |
| Education | York University (Sociology and Mass Communications), Humber College (Journalism) |
| Occupation | Television Personality, Co-host, Producer |
| Shows | Breakfast Television, Canada's Got Talent, Bake Master Battle, MuchMusic VJ Search, Star! Daily |
| Awards/Honours | 2006 – Gemini Award nomination for Best Host, Key to the City of Vaughan (2023) |
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What You'll Learn
Dina Pugliese was born on May 22, 1974
Dina Pugliese, the Canadian television personality, was born on May 22, 1974. She is best known for her work on Citytv's morning show, Breakfast Television, which she co-hosted from 2006 until 2023. Pugliese grew up in Woodbridge, Ontario, and is of Italian descent.
Pugliese's career began behind the camera as a producer for Global's The Bynon Show and Toronto 1's Toronto Today. She soon moved in front of the camera, becoming an entertainment reporter and host for shows such as The A-List and Star! Daily. In 2006, she joined the cast of Breakfast Television, replacing Liza Fromer. During her time on the show, she was also nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Host in a Lifestyle/Practical Information or Performing Arts Program or Series for MuchMusic VJ Search – The Series. On October 17, 2011, Pugliese was announced as the host of Canada's Got Talent.
In February 2023, Pugliese announced her departure from Breakfast Television after 16 years. She cited burnout and a desire to care for her family as the main reasons for her decision. Her husband had recently undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour, and her sister had been diagnosed with cancer.
However, in March 2025, Pugliese made a surprise return to Breakfast Television, rejoining the show as its co-host. She has also taken on the role of co-executive producer for the show. Pugliese's return was kept a secret from her colleagues, and she revealed herself on-air by emerging from a moose costume. She stated that the break had given her time to rest and recover, and she felt ready to return to the show.
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She co-hosted Breakfast Television from 2006 to 2023
Dina Pugliese, a Canadian television personality, joined Citytv's Breakfast Television in 2006. She co-hosted the show from 2006 to 2023, alongside Kevin Frankish. During her time as co-host, Pugliese also took on other projects. She was the host of Canada's Got Talent in 2011 and has hosted MuchMusic's VJ Search and Citytv's New Year's Eve special from Nathan Phillips Square. She has also worked as a producer for Global's The Bynon Show and Toronto 1's Toronto Today and as an entertainment reporter for The A-List and Star!'s Star! Daily.
In February 2023, Pugliese announced her departure from Breakfast Television after 16 years with the show. She cited burnout and a desire to care for her family as reasons for her decision. Her husband had undergone brain surgery, and her sister had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Following her departure, Pugliese took time to rest and recover. She reflected on her time away from the show, stating that it was "the one thing that was missing over the last two years." In March 2025, Pugliese made a surprise return to Breakfast Television, rejoining as co-host alongside new co-host Tim Bolen. She also took on the role of co-executive producer for the show.
Pugliese's return to Breakfast Television was well-received by viewers, who welcomed her back to the show. Her experience and dynamic personality contributed to the show's vibrant and modern feel, creating a fresh space for engaging conversations and diverse perspectives. Pugliese's presence added a sense of familiarity and comfort for long-time viewers of the show.
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She returned as co-host in 2025
Dina Pugliese, the Canadian television personality, returned as the co-host of Breakfast Television in 2025. Pugliese, who was born on May 22, 1974, in Toronto, had initially been a co-host on the show from 2006 to 2023. She took a two-year hiatus before returning to the show in 2025.
In February 2023, Pugliese announced that she would be leaving Breakfast Television after 16 years, with her final day on the show being February 24, 2023. She cited burnout from the role and a desire to care for her family as the reasons for her departure. Her husband had undergone brain surgery, and her sister had been diagnosed with cancer.
However, on March 17, 2025, Pugliese made a surprise on-air return to Breakfast Television as its co-host alongside new co-host Tim Bolen. She had been offered the opportunity to return to the show during a meeting with its executive producer, Claire Adams. Pugliese expressed that she felt "rested and recovered enough to get back to it" and that Breakfast Television was "the one thing that was missing over the last two years."
In addition to her role as co-host, Pugliese also took on the position of co-executive producer for Breakfast Television. Her return to the show brought a mix of reactions from viewers, with some expressing disappointment and irritation with her hosting style, while others welcomed her back warmly.
Alongside her work on Breakfast Television, Pugliese has had a diverse career in Canadian television. She began her career as a producer for shows such as Global's The Bynon Show and Toronto 1's Toronto Today. She later transitioned into roles as an entertainment reporter and host for shows like The A-List and Star!'s Star! Daily. She has also hosted specials for Citytv and MuchMusic.
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She is a graduate of York University and Humber College
Dina Pugliese, the host of Breakfast Television, is a graduate of York University and Humber College. She was born in Toronto and grew up in Woodbridge, Ontario. She attended York University, where she studied Sociology and Mass Communications. Pugliese then went on to Humber College to study Journalism.
Pugliese's career in the media began with her work as a producer for Global's The Bynon Show and Toronto 1's Toronto Today. She later transitioned into entertainment reporting and hosting, taking on roles in shows such as The A-List and Star!'s Star! Daily. In addition to her hosting duties, she has also produced content for various platforms. Pugliese joined Citytv in 2005 and became the co-host of Breakfast Television in 2006, alongside Kevin Frankish.
Dina Pugliese is a well-known and beloved Canadian television personality. Her dynamic personality, humour, and infectious spirit have made her a staple in morning television across the nation for over 20 years. During her extensive career, she has received multiple Gemini and CSA nominations for her work on shows like "MuchMusic VJ Search," "Breakfast Television," and "Canada's Got Talent."
In February 2023, Pugliese announced her departure from Breakfast Television after 16 years of co-hosting the show. She cited burnout and a desire to care for her family as reasons for her decision. However, in March 2025, Pugliese made a surprise return to the show, reuniting with the cast, crew, and audience she dearly missed. Her comeback was kept secret, and she revealed herself on-air by emerging from a moose costume. Pugliese's return to Breakfast Television demonstrates her enduring passion and dedication to the world of broadcasting and entertainment.
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She has also hosted MuchMusic's VJ Search
Dina Pugliese, born on May 22, 1974, is a Canadian television personality. She has been a co-host of Citytv's morning show Breakfast Television since 2006, alongside Kevin Frankish. She took a hiatus from the show in February 2023, citing burnout and the need to care for her family as the reasons for her departure. During her break, she focused on her skincare line, The Care Principle, and was also offered various job opportunities. In March 2025, Pugliese made a surprise return to Breakfast Television, reuniting with the cast and crew she adores.
Prior to joining Breakfast Television, Pugliese began her career as a producer for Global's The Bynon Show and Toronto 1's Toronto Today. She later transitioned into entertainment reporting and hosting, with shows such as The A-List and Star!'s Star! Daily under her belt. She has also hosted MuchMusic's VJ Search and Citytv's New Year's Eve special from Nathan Phillips Square. In 2006, she joined the Breakfast Television team, replacing Liza Fromer.
MuchMusic's VJ Search was a notable program hosted by Pugliese that contributed to her recognition in the industry. The show's format centred around a search for new music video jockeys, providing an opportunity for aspiring individuals to showcase their talents and pursue a career in music television. Pugliese's role as host involved guiding contestants through challenges and eliminations, offering insights, and facilitating the selection process alongside a panel of judges. The show not only showcased the contestants' journeys but also provided a platform for emerging music talents to gain exposure.
Pugliese's hosting style on MuchMusic's VJ Search was well-received, earning her a Gemini Award nomination in 2006 for Best Host in a Lifestyle/Practical Information or Performing Arts Program or Series. This nomination attested to her ability to engage and connect with audiences, showcasing her dynamic personality, humour, and heart. Her work on the show further solidified her presence in Canadian morning television and paved the way for future hosting opportunities.
In addition to her hosting duties, Pugliese has also been recognised for her work beyond the camera. In February 2023, she was presented with the Key to the City of Vaughan by Mayor Steven Del Duca. This honour recognised her "outstanding contribution" to the entertainment industry, reflecting the impact she has had on Canadian media and popular culture. Pugliese's dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences have solidified her place as a beloved figure in Canadian broadcasting.
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Frequently asked questions
Dina Pugliese, the co-host of Breakfast Television, is 49 years old as of 2023.
She started hosting Breakfast Television in 2006 alongside Kevin Frankish.
Yes, Dina Pugliese left Breakfast Television in February 2023, citing burnout from the role and a desire to care for her family as some of the reasons for her departure.
Yes, Dina Pugliese returned to Breakfast Television in March 2025 as its co-host alongside Tim Bolen.
Dina Pugliese is Canadian and was born and raised in Ontario. She is of Italian descent.
