Naga Munchetty quits BBC Breakfast after 17 years
Naga Munchetty is leaving BBC Breakfast in December as she becomes the new co-presenter of the corporation’s Radio 5 Live Breakfast Show in January 2027
Naga Munchetty has quit BBC Breakfast after 17 years.
The 51-year-old presenter has been a face on the morning news show since 2009, but Naga will make her last appearance on the famed red sofa in December so that she can move over to the corporation's 5 Live Breakfast radio show in the New Year.
Naga will co-present the programme five days a week from January 2027.
It comes after current co-hosts Rachel Burden, 51, and Rick Edwards, 47, are leaving 5 Live Breakfast in December, with the former moving to front the weekday mid-morning programme, Monday to Wednesday, while he continues to present Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings.
In a statement, Naga said: "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."
The star feels lucky to have been a member of the BBC Breakfast team for almost two decades, but decided to quit as she could not turn down helming the 5 Live Breakfast show.
Naga said: "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 per cent of my focus and energy, and I'm really looking forward to throwing myself into the role."
The Strictly Come Dancing 2016 contestant is no stranger to BBC Radio 5 Live as she has guided listeners through the biggest stories and talking points on the station's weekday mid-morning show since 2021.
Naga said: "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."
She concluded: "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."
The newsreader's 5 Live Breakfast Show co-host and replacement on BBC Breakfast will be announced in due course.
John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, said: "After more than a decade on screen for BBC Breakfast, Naga will be hugely missed by the millions of viewers who’ve welcomed her into their homes each week.
"I’m very pleased that Naga will be staying with the BBC and I wish her the best of luck at 5 Live."
Like Naga, Rachel cannot wait to start her new job on 5 Live's weekday mid-morning programme.
She said: "After 15 years hosting 5 Live Breakfast, I’ve decided it’s time for a change - and I’m really excited about launching my new show on the station.
"It’s been an absolute joy and privilege to be part of our listeners’ mornings for all these years. We have been through life-changing events together - from the pandemic to huge political moments, and great sporting journeys.
"They are my extended family, and we’ll carry on doing what we do best - telling stories, sharing experiences and working out the world together."
Rachel jokingly added: "Just this time, on a little bit more sleep."
Rick is going to miss the listeners and working with Rachel.
He said: "The annoying part for me is that five years on a breakfast show is a decent stint, but next to Rachel’s 15-year marathon, it does look inconsequential.
"I’ll really miss our wonderful audience, I’ll miss the fantastic team, I’ll miss regularly eating cake before dawn, but most of all I’ll miss Rach - a colleague who has become a friend, and also a mentor, because she’s so much older than me."
Rick added he is looking forward to "not waking up at 3.45am" and joked being excited about "vaping without fear of violent recrimination".
The star added: "I’m so grateful to 5 Live for all the opportunities they’ve afforded me - from going to World Cups in far-flung locations, to vox pops in covered markets in the Greater Manchester area.
"Who knows what they have in store for me next? That’s not a rhetorical question. Who do I need to speak to?"
Heidi Dawson, Controller, BBC Radio 5 Live, is thrilled with the changes coming to the station.
She said: "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."
Heidi went on: "Rachel has been a huge voice on 5 Live Breakfast for many years, bringing wit, intelligence and sharp journalism to the programme every morning.
"She has a remarkable ability to connect with listeners, whether she's handling breaking news, conducting thoughtful interviews or sharing the moments that bring us together.
"We're thrilled that our audiences will be able to continue hearing her on her new show."
She continued: "Together, Rachel and Rick have formed one of radio's most popular partnerships.
"They have informed, entertained and accompanied millions each morning, and their chemistry, professionalism and commitment have played a huge role in shaping 5 Live Breakfast in recent years.
"Rick remains a hugely important part of 5 Live, he will continue to front Fighting Talk, as well as playing a key role across our sport and news output."
