Naga Munchetty in BBC complaints storm over ‘offensive’ treatment of co-star
BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty has received official complaints (Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast viewers lodged official complaints regarding Naga Munchetty’s conduct towards Carol Kirkwood on air, it has been revealed. The TV presenter, 51, faced criticism for “rude” remarks she directed at the 64-year-old retired Scottish weather presenter during the 1st April broadcast of the morning programme. That day, Carol, who revealed earlier this year she would depart after more than 25 years on air, featured on the show for her final appearance.
As her concluding moments on-air approached, she remarked: “Thank you all for coming – and even you, Nags!” and looked taken aback that her co-star was present for her. Yet Naga responded: “I’m just waiting for the countdown for you to go!”. Carol was subsequently presented with an illustration created by Adam Hargreaves, author of the Mr. Men books, featuring the weather presenter styled as Little Miss Sunshine in recognition of her extensive career. An emotional Carol announced: “I will treasure this! It’s going to have pride of place…” before Naga interjected: “In the toilet?”
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Carol left the BBC Breakfast back in April (Image: BBC)
Naga then questioned Carol: “You’ve not stolen anything from all the time at BBC Breakfast?” before handing her co-star a mug. A celebratory cake was then produced, to which Naga enquired of Carol: “Are you going to break the habit of a lifetime and actually share the cake?” Carol replied: “No, Naga, absolutely not – why would I do that?” Naga responded: “Exactly. Why change it? We’re only going to remember you one way.”, reports the Mirror.
It’s broadly understood that the duo, who had collaborated for years, were bantering with each other as friends.
While those in the studio – including presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, alongside Nina Warhurst, Peter Ruddick and John Watson – appeared to find the comments entertaining, viewers watching at home didn’t share the same view. In the BBC’s fortnightly complaints report covering the period between 1st June and 14th June, it has been revealed that several viewers objected to the broadcast.
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The BBC releases specific information about any programme that attracts more than 100 complaints during a particular reporting period. For matters that escalate to the Stage 2 Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) level, the BBC releases summaries of investigations irrespective of complaint numbers, alongside formal responses to significant Stage 1 complaints.
The complaints concerned were characterised as, “Offensive treatment of Carol Kirkwood.” Nevertheless, as detailed in the BBC report, these were not upheld.
Despite viewers objecting to the BBC Breakfast interaction, a television insider maintained that Naga and Carol “have been very close personal friends for many years, as well as being very good colleagues as part of the BBC Breakfast Team.”
A source told The Sun: “Everyone involved in Carol Kirkwood’s last programme for Breakfast on 1 April was there to pay tribute to Carol’s long service for the BBC, and they all did so fittingly.” Carol revealed her choice to leave earlier this year.
