Naga Munchetty breaks silence after quitting BBC Breakfast as she tells fans ‘it was time for a change’

NAGA Munchetty has now spoken out after quitting BBC Breakfast as she told fans “it was time for a change.” She shocked viewers this morning as it was announced she was leaving, following almost two decades at the helm of the show. Naga Munchetty to leave BBC Breakfast after 17 years as she joins Radio 5 Live’s morning show Credit: BBC Rachel Burden is set to take over Naga’s role fronting the Radio 5 Live mid-morning show Credit: Radio 5 Live The 51-year-old joined the morning show back in 2009, but has decided to make a move at Radio 5 Live. Naga will co-host the station’s Breakfast show from January. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! She appeared live on the show this morning alongside hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards to discuss her new gig. Breaking her silence on the move, Naga said: “It is exciting news, it is exciting news. A change is… they say a change is as good as a rest don’t they. Read more on Naga Munchetty Rick Edwards is stepping down from his role on the morning show in January alongside Rachel Credit: Radio 5 Live Naga’s new gig comes after she faced accusations of ‘bullying’ last year Credit: BBC “And I think Rachel you put it really well. The audience we serve is brilliant and honest and kind and engaged and here at 5 Live, I mean I’ve been at 5 Live for what five years and had the mid-morning show. “Obviously as well on BBC Breakfast and it’s just time for a new challenge and when kind of things worked out we kind of heard stuff I think our controller put her hands together and thought right what can I conjure up.” Naga continued: “Both you, Rick, and Rachel I feel an immense loyalty to our audience and have built an audience and an interest in the mid-mornings that I know Rachel will continue and be brilliant at. “I hope to come in and it’s kind of all change but not all change because hopefully familiar voices, familiar attitude – it will feel very consistent.” Most read in TV The radio star told listeners they will “find out who her co-presenter is in due time.” She then assured fans everything would be “business as usual” for the rest of the year before she takes over. Naga will be taking the helm from current hosts Rachel and Rick, who are stepping down in December. BBC‘s Naga is a familiar voice to 5 Live listeners as she’s fronted the station’s mid-morning programme since 2021. While Rachel is set to take on Naga’s role, Rick’s next move is yet to be confirmed. Naga’s move comes after she faced accusations of “bullying” junior staffers on the BBC show just last year. The Sun told how Naga was hauled in by bosses for the alleged bullying of a woman, who was the most junior staffer, in late 2024. As part of the bullying behaviour, the star is said to have falsely accused the woman of stealing, which led to a closed-door showdown. Claims also include laying into an intern for incorrectly spreading Marmite on her toast. She was also reprimanded for another incident, which is said to have taken place in the BBC Five Live studio. Comment now