SO SAD: Naga Munchetty quits BBC Breakfast after 17 years with bombshell statement
Naga Munchetty quits BBC Breakfast after 17 years at the helm (Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has announced she is leaving the morning programme after 17 years at the helm. The TV star first joined the show back in 2009, and became one of the show’s main presenters in 2012, where she hosted the show alongside Charlie Stayt. But in December, she will bid farewell to the Salford studio to take up a new role as co-presenter of 5 Live Breakfast in 2027.
On Tuesday (July 28), the broadcaster announced that she is swapping the famous red sofa for the BBC Radio 5 Live studio. The 51-year-old presenter will replace former breakfast show hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who will step down from the show in December.
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Sharing the exciting news, Naga gushed: “I’m thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.”
Addressing her departure from BBC Breakfast, she went on: “It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends.
“Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up. It will take a huge amount of work and require 100% of my focus and energy, and I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into the role.
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“Over the last five years, I’ve been privileged to build a relationship with 5 Live listeners on the mid-morning programme and help shine a light on the issues that matter most to them. I’m excited to build on that in the Breakfast slot and to start each day with our listeners every morning.
The 51-year-old broadcaster has fronted the BBC show with Charlie Stayt since 2014 (Image: BBC)
“Between now and January, I’ll continue presenting the two programmes I love. I’m sure there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will very much be business as usual.” A new BBC Breakfast presenter will be announced later this year, with TV bosses now in the recruitment process.
Naga is a familiar voice to 5 Live listeners after presenting the mid-morning programme since 2021, providing everything from major political interviews and insightful sports analysis. Speaking about Naga’s new role, BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Heidi Dawson added: “Naga is one of the UK’s most accomplished broadcasters and a hugely valued member of the 5 Live family.
“Since joining the station, she has led thoughtful and impactful conversations on everything from breaking news to women’s health, sport and social issues, building a strong connection with our listeners. We’re delighted she’ll be bringing her journalistic rigour, curiosity and energy to 5 Live Breakfast.”
