[newsjunkie]

It was actually during the week pre covid, this was due to the same presenter presenting the lunchtime news and then staying on for the London bulletin. 

I know the same arrangement has also been done for the Saturday Evening news due to the same presenter doing both bulletins, I don't know if this still happens though.

Not quite true. The lunchtime presenter has since this current look was introduced presented the London bulletin afterwards.

It was actually because of social distancing, it didn't look so ridiculous as the desk is obviously much larger. Presenters (generally) didn't like the 'coffee table' desk as it is harder to read the screen within it and so don't think any of them missed it.