Naga Munchetty is said to have “ruffled feathers” behind the scenes at BBC Breakfast after allegedly making a pointed remark about co-star Sally Nugent’s glow-up.
Munchetty, 51, has fronted the flagship morning programme for more than a decade and currently presents from Thursday to Saturday alongside Charlie Stayt. Nugent, 54, anchors the start of the week with Jon Kay.
According to reports, Munchetty suggested Nugent’s newly styled hair and more polished on-screen look were more suited to daytime television than hard news.
The Sun claims Munchetty said: “We’re meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we’re presenting This Morning!”
A source said the alleged remark came amid an ongoing workplace culture review at the BBC and described it as a “nasty little moment”.
The insider told the publication: “Sally’s had a glow-up and her new do is looking fantastic. But it ruffled feathers, as is often the way in the showbiz industry. There were a couple of remarks about it and Naga particularly made a comment about them being journalists, not This Morning hosts.
“Things have been ticking along fairly quietly for the last couple of months whilst the bullying investigations continued, but this was a nasty little moment.”
The BBC declined to comment on the claims. A spokesperson told the Standard: “We do not comment on individual staff issues.”
Nugent recently shared her new hairstyle on social media, crediting stylist Calum Tierney. The post was met with praise from a number of familiar faces, including Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton, who left three fire emojis; Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova, who commented “Gorgeous”; and television presenter Michelle Ackerley, who wrote “Beautiful” alongside a heart emoji.
The reported exchange comes amid scrutiny surrounding BBC Breakfast’s workplace culture. Toward the end of last year, allegations were made about Munchetty’s conduct on set, which were later referred for formal investigation. Claims reported in the press included accusations that she criticised an intern over how Marmite was spread on toast and made an unwanted sexual remark to a female colleague.
Munchetty has not publicly addressed the specific allegations.
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani has also previously faced accusations of bullying, although complaints made against him were not upheld. Stayt has reportedly remained under review.
The wider workplace culture review was launched following controversy surrounding former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards and has been led by management consultant Grahame Russell of Change Associates.
Munchetty, who also presents on BBC Radio 5 Live, remains a regular fixture on BBC Breakfast as the review continues.
