The new year has brought an unexpected change to the BBC Breakfast sofa, with viewers greeted by a different presenting duo on the first Thursday of 2026. Regular host Naga Munchetty was notably absent, replaced by broadcaster Luxmy Gopal alongside Charlie Stayt.
A Surprise Substitution on the Red Sofa
Thursday mornings on BBC Breakfast are typically hosted by the familiar pairing of Charlie Stayt, 63, and Naga Munchetty, 50. However, the programme that aired on January 1st, 2026, featured Stayt alongside Luxmy Gopal, 32. The change was not explained at the outset of the broadcast, with Gopal simply welcoming viewers by stating, "Good morning. Happy New Year and welcome to Breakfast with Charlie Stayt and Luxmy Gopal."
The episode also had a shortened runtime, airing only between 6am and 8.50am, rather than the standard weekday slot which runs until 9am. The BBC's usual presenting schedule sees Munchetty and Stayt host from Thursday to Saturday, while Sally Nugent and Jon Kay front the show from Monday to Wednesday.
Background on the Presenters
Luxmy Gopal is no stranger to the Breakfast team. She first joined for a weekend episode in 2021 and became a regular stand-in host by 2022. Her career with the BBC includes roles as a news reporter for Look North, and she has also presented the BBC News Channel, BBC World, BBC News at One, and BBC London.
Naga Munchetty's absence comes after she made headlines in recent months. In November 2025, it was reported that the BBC had assigned monitors to observe Munchetty following a formal investigation into her behaviour. A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on individual HR matters at the time.
Fan Reactions and Recent Returns
The presenter shift follows a positive viewer response to another familiar face returning to the programme earlier in the week. On Tuesday, December 30th, Nina Warhurst hosted alongside Ben Thompson, delighting fans who had missed her since she left Breakfast earlier in the year to join BBC News at One.
Fans took to social media to express their joy, with one writing, "SO nice to have Nina back on the sofa. She's so natural with people and a true pro." Others called for her to be brought back to the show on a full-time basis.
Warhurst had announced her move in March, marking the end of a tenure that began as a freelancer in 2016. Her departure was followed by a poignant personal period, as she prepared for her first Christmas without her father, Chris, who passed away in July 2025.
The BBC has not provided an official reason for Naga Munchetty's absence from the January 1st broadcast. The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment regarding the presenting change.
