Sally Nugent has shown support for her longtime colleague Naga Munchetty as she prepares to leave BBC Breakfast. Following the announcement that Naga, who joined the programme in 2009, would end her 17-year tenure on the sofa, Sally reacted on Instagram. "Congratulations @tvnaga," she wrote on her story, referencing Naga's new role as a co-presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live's breakfast show.
New Challenge at Radio 5 Live
Naga announced her departure while speaking with Radio 5 Live hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, both of whom will leave in December. She is slated to start her new role in January, promising "business as usual" in the meantime.
"It is exciting news, it is exciting news. A change is… they say a change is as good as a rest, don't they?" Naga said on Tuesday morning. "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 things worked out, we kind of heard stuff, I think our controller put her hands together and thought, 'Right, what can I conjure up?'"
Loyalty to Audience
The TV star emphasised her connection with listeners. "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."
While the identity of Naga's future co-presenter has yet to be revealed, she hinted that fans would find out in "due time."
Reflecting on BBC Breakfast
Reflecting on her departure, the journalist 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% of my focus and energy, and I'm really looking forward to throwing myself into the role."
