Sally Nugent will take over as the main presenter of BBC Breakfast, following the confirmed departure of Naga Munchetty after 17 years. Munchetty is moving to host the flagship morning show on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Nugent was seen leaving BBC Breakfast filming on Wednesday, reportedly beaming about her new role. She was dressed in a cream trench coat and pink trousers. Sources suggest BBC bosses view Nugent as the future of the show, particularly after her interview with Nigel Farage impressed them. This interview was seen as previously being in Munchetty's domain.
Munchetty's exit comes after a period of scrutiny, including reports of a workplace bullying probe by BBC Breakfast bosses. While reports indicate the probe has been dropped, some insiders suggest her move to 5 Live is a response to the pressure and a desire for a less scrutinized role. A source told The Sun that the 5 Live job was an "easy, personal decision" due to "endless scrutiny from viewers over every comment or gesture."
Munchetty confirmed her departure on Tuesday, stating her excitement to join 5 Live Breakfast in January. She expressed her love for live news and connecting with audiences, elements she believes 5 Live excels at. "Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up," Munchetty said. She will broadcast live from Salford three days a week and London for the remaining two days, with a co-host yet to be recruited.
Before her move, Munchetty was reportedly questioned by bosses regarding various allegations, including an alleged sex joke, unkindness to co-presenters, and upsetting guest Geri Halliwell-Horner. The claims also included an alleged incident involving an intern and comments made about a colleague's appearance. In one instance, when Sally Nugent unveiled a new look, Munchetty allegedly remarked, "We're meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we're presenting This Morning." Another report cited Munchetty's comment to weather presenter Carol Kirkwood about her having "aged a bit."
The BBC Breakfast editor, Richard Frediani, also took an extended leave following separate bullying and misconduct allegations, though he has since been cleared and returned to work. Some BBC insiders view Munchetty's new role as a sign of the corporation's continued support, especially as she recently received a pay rise, with her annual salary now between £360,000 and £364,999.
Naga Munchetty has been part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for 17 years. She stated, "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." She will continue presenting her current programs until January.