Naga Munchetty has explained her recent absence from BBC Breakfast, revealing she has been enjoying a golf trip in Inverness, Scotland. The presenter, who announced her exit from the programme in July, shared a series of photos from her travels on Instagram on Sunday, writing: "My happy place. Friends, giggles and golf (of course). Haste ye back #castlestuartgolflinks."
Fans react to her holiday post
Following her post, fans responded in the comments. One replied: "Hope you're having a lovely time, wondered why you weren't on Breakfast." Another said: "Love that course, enjoy." A third remarked: "Looks amazing! When are you back on telly?"
While Munchetty is only away on holiday, her time on the BBC's iconic red sofa is drawing to a close. Earlier this year, she confirmed she would leave the show after 17 years to take over Radio 5 Live's breakfast programme.
Statement on leaving Breakfast
Addressing fans in a statement, Munchetty 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."
She added: "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."
Munchetty continued: "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."
Final appearance and new role
Munchetty is expected to make her final appearance on Breakfast in December before officially starting on the Radio 5 show in January 2027. She will replace the radio programme's current hosts, Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards.
Discussing the transition on Radio 5 with Burden and Edwards, Munchetty 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. 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."
She added: "Obviously, as well on BBC Breakfast, and it's just time for a new challenge, and when things kind of worked out, we kind of heard stuff. I think our controller put her hands together and thought, 'Right, what can I conjure up?'"
