Naga Munchetty’s biggest on-screen ‘rows’ as she announces BBC Breakfast exit
The presenter will leave the flagship programme at the end of the year.
Naga Munchetty has found herself at the centre of controversy during her years on BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has confirmed she will be leaving the flagship programme after 17 years. Over the years, the BBC host has frequently found herself at the centre of controversy, often sparking complaints from viewers. While many of her interactions on-screen are likely intended as playful banter, it doesn’t always come across that way to viewers. Back in April, on Carol Kirkwood’s final day, Naga came under fire for “rude” comments she made towards her co-star. As her final minutes rolled around, the Scottish meteorologist said: “Thank you all for coming – and even you, Nags!
The 51-year-old hit back: “I’m just waiting for the countdown for you to go!” Carol was then presented with an illustration by Adam Hargreaves, author of the Mr. Men books, depicting the weather presenter as Little Miss Sunshine in tribute to her lengthy career. When an emotional Carol admitted she would “treasure” the gift and began to explain where it would have “pride of place”, Naga interrupted: “In the toilet?”
When a celebratory cake was then brought out, Naga asked Carol: “Are you going to break the habit of a lifetime and actually share the cake?”
The 64-year-old responded: “No, Naga, absolutely not – why would I do that?”
The presenter responded: “Exactly. Why change it? We’re only going to remember you one way.”
It is believed the pair were simply joking with one another as friends, but many viewers didn’t see it like that.
Commenting on the exchange, one said: “Carol seems artificially chirpy tbh. That Naga used to be quite rude to her and she just laughed. I’d have taken my mic off, gone over and lumped her one if I’d been Carol.”
Another wrote: “Naga didn’t do a pre-recorded solo tribute like the other newsreaders did who’ve worked with her for years. Instead she tried her usual gotcha tactics to embarrass Carol.”
Naga was slammed for being “rude” to Carol Kirkwood (Image: BBC)
While a third added: “Maybe Naga and Carol really didn’t get on.”
It’s not just BBC employees Naga has shared awkward moments with, as former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell reportedly claimed she would never appear on the show again after being interviewed by the Radio 5 Live presenter and her co-host Charlie Stayt.
During the episode which aired in 2025, Naga quizzed Geri on whether she had “researched” her interviewers before agreeing to appear on the programme.
Naga said: “You’ve come in, making sure you’ve done your research on us as well, haven’t you?” Charlie then quipped: “Also, you point your finger quite a lot, to be honest.”
The shocked singer replied: “Is that rude?! I’m so sorry, Charlie.” Naga then bluntly asked: “Do you not like being interviewed?”
Geri Halliwell reportedly claimed she would never appear on the show again (Image: BBC)
Geri replied: “I like communication.”
After the particularly awkward interview, the BBC was compelled to apologise to Geri. It was later reported by the Daily Mail that Geri said she “never wanted to appear on the show opposite [Naga and Charlie] again.”
Back in 2022, Naga was criticised for being “rude and unprofessional” during an interview with Dave Ward, the General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union.
The pair were discussing the Royal Mail strikes happening at the time, with Naga appearing to become frustrated with the union boss when he repeated something.
Speaking over him, she said: “You have said this, I’m sorry, you have said this. I haven’t got the time.”
