Naga Munchetty Leaves BBC Breakfast After 17 Years for New Full-Time Radio Role
After spending 17 years as one of the familiar faces of BBC Breakfast, veteran broadcaster Naga Munchetty has announced she is stepping away from the television programme to begin a new chapter on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The presenter, who has been a key part of the BBC Breakfast team for over a decade, will officially move to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast from January, where she will host the morning programme five days a week.
The move marks one of the biggest presenter changes at the BBC in recent years.
Naga Munchetty Begins a New Chapter
Munchetty currently divides her schedule between BBC Breakfast, where she presents three mornings each week, and her mid-morning programme on BBC Radio 5 Live.
From January, her entire focus will shift to radio as she takes over the flagship breakfast show full-time.
Speaking about her decision, Munchetty described her years on BBC Breakfast as an incredible privilege and thanked her colleagues for their friendship and professionalism.
She also explained that the opportunity to front one of BBC Radio’s biggest programmes was simply too important to turn down, adding that the new role will require her complete focus and energy.
Her final appearance date on BBC Breakfast has not yet been confirmed.
BBC Yet to Announce Her Replacement
While Munchetty’s move has now been confirmed, the BBC has not revealed who will replace her on BBC Breakfast.
She currently presents the programme alongside Charlie Stayt from Thursday to Saturday.
At the same time, BBC Radio 5 Live will also need a new co-host to join Munchetty on the breakfast programme after further presenter departures were announced.
Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards Also Exit BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast
Meta Title: Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards Leave BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast
Meta Description: BBC Radio 5 Live presenters Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards have confirmed they are leaving the station’s breakfast programme after several years.
BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast will undergo an even bigger shake-up after presenters Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards confirmed they are both leaving the programme.
The pair made the announcement during Tuesday’s breakfast broadcast.
Rachel Burden Takes Over Mid-Morning Show
Rachel Burden revealed she will move into Munchetty’s current Monday-to-Wednesday mid-morning programme on BBC Radio 5 Live.
After spending 15 years hosting the breakfast show, Burden said she felt it was the right time for a fresh challenge and expressed excitement about launching her new programme.
Rick Edwards Staying With the BBC
Although Rick Edwards is leaving the breakfast programme, he is not leaving the BBC.
He will continue hosting the popular weekend sports quiz Fighting Talk.
Edwards joked that one of the biggest advantages of leaving the early-morning show would be no longer waking up before 4 a.m., while also thanking listeners and his colleagues for years of support.
Naga Munchetty’s Career at the BBC
Munchetty has become one of the BBC’s best-known presenters during her broadcasting career.
Over the years, she has interviewed a long list of world-famous politicians, public figures and celebrities, including:
| Notable Interviews | |
|---|---|
| Hillary Clinton | Michelle Obama |
| Sir Keir Starmer | Sir David Attenborough |
| Sir Rod Stewart | Numerous government ministers |
She also competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, introducing herself to an even wider television audience.
According to the BBC’s latest published salary figures, Munchetty is among the corporation’s highest-paid presenters, earning approximately £360,000 per year.
Previous Controversies During Her BBC Career
Despite her successful broadcasting career, Munchetty has occasionally attracted public attention over on-air moments and editorial complaints.
Some of the most notable incidents include:
- In 2019, an internal ruling initially found she had breached BBC editorial guidelines after comments about a social media post made by former US President Donald Trump. That decision was later overturned by the BBC’s Director-General.
- In 2021, Munchetty and co-host Charlie Stayt were reminded of their editorial responsibilities following viewer complaints over an interview involving a government minister. Munchetty later apologised for liking social media posts connected to the incident.
- In 2025, reports claimed BBC management had privately spoken with Munchetty regarding two alleged workplace incidents. Around the same period, reports also emerged about behind-the-scenes tensions involving the programme’s editor. The BBC stated that it treats workplace conduct complaints seriously but did not comment on individual cases.
Award-Winning Success for BBC Breakfast
Despite changes behind the scenes, BBC Breakfast continues to be one of Britain’s most-watched morning news programmes.
The programme received a BAFTA TV Award for Best News Coverage following its acclaimed reporting on the Post Office scandal, adding another major achievement during Munchetty’s long tenure with the show.
As she prepares to begin her new full-time role on BBC Radio 5 Live, viewers will be watching closely to see who becomes the next face of BBC Breakfast and how the broadcaster reshapes both flagship programmes in the months ahead.
