Who is replacing Naga Munchetty? Runners and riders for BBC Breakfast job

NAGA Munchetty is packing her bags for Radio 5 Live after 17 years on BBC Breakfast, leaving one of the most lucrative and high-profile seats in British television up for grabs. With a daily audience of over one million viewers and a paycheque worth up to £360,000, competition among ambitious BBC talent is fierce. Steph McGovern reportedly remains a hugely popular name in Broadcasting House Credit: PA Tina Daheley has stacks of broadcast experience, having spent nearly two decades on high-profile BBC radio breakfast shows Credit: Getty But with Breakfast editor Richard Frediani and news director John McAndrew taking their time to find the right candidate, who is in line for TV’s earliest wake-up call? Steph McGovern Former Breakfast stalwart Steph McGovern, 44, reportedly remains a hugely popular name in Broadcasting House. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! After her stint hosting Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, her cheery Teesside accent and business expertise make her an obvious choice. A return would delight loyal viewers, though insiders hint it could shake up the dynamic alongside current Monday-to-Wednesday host Sally Nugent. Tina Daheley At 45, Tina Daheley has stacks of broadcast experience and is no stranger to early starts, having spent nearly two decades on high-profile BBC radio breakfast shows. Currently covering on Radio 2 and earning £300,000 a year, she recently teased a return to BBC One. Her sharp TV news credentials and widespread viewer appeal put her firmly in the frame. Victoria Derbyshire Newsnight host Victoria Derbyshire, 57, brings undeniable journalistic pedigree. Most read in News TV A Bafta winner with a formidable interviewing style, she has the grilling skills required for tough political interrogations. Moving to the Salford studio could offer a major mainstream platform for the seasoned anchor. A Bafta winner with a formidable interviewing style, Victoria Derbyshire has the grilling skills required for tough political interrogations Credit: Getty Helen Skelton Former Blue Peter and Strictly star Helen Skelton, 43, has been a driving force behind Morning Live’s ratings triumphs. While some might question her shift from entertainment to hard news, her early career in radio newsrooms proves her journalistic roots. Her showbiz warmth could help fend off ITV rival Good Morning Britain, though budget constraints across the Corporation could complicate a high-profile deal. Who else could replace Naga Munchetty? With the BBC managing a £500 million cost-cutting drive – which has already seen Breakfast on Sundays axed – bosses may look within their existing presenter lineup to keep costs grounded. Helen Skelton’s early career in radio newsrooms proves her journalistic roots Credit: PA Both Luxmy Gopal and Sarah Campbell are trusted regular cover presenters who know the Salford studio inside out and fall below the £178,000 salary reporting threshold. Former 5 Live Breakfast anchor Rachel Burden (£215,000) brings extensive early-morning experience and previously fronted the Sunday edition. And veteran newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti (£178k+) could bring instant authority, though she is reportedly content in her current flagship news roles. Whoever takes over the 3.45am alarm clock will enter a high-stakes battle for morning ratings. With Good Morning Britain drawing 700,000 viewers, BBC bosses know they need a star who can keep the sofa firmly on top. Comment now