Naga Munchetty has confirmed her departure from BBC Breakfast after 17 years to take over BBC Radio 5 Live's flagship morning programme. The presenter first joined the programme as a stand-in host in 2009 and will now move from the iconic red sofa to co-present 5 Live Breakfast.
New Role on 5 Live
Announcing the "exciting" news, Naga said: "I'm thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly."
She added: "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."
Looking ahead, she remarked: "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."
Reaction from Colleagues
John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, said: "After more than a decade on screen for BBC Breakfast, Naga will be hugely missed by the millions of viewers who've welcomed her into their homes each week. I'm very pleased that Naga will be staying with the BBC and I wish her the best of luck at 5 Live."
Sally Nugent and Jon Kay announced the news live on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday (July 28), just moments after Naga confirmed her exit on 5 Live. Jon announced: "Our friend and colleague Naga Munchetty has announced that she will be leaving BBC Breakfast to co-present the BBC 5 Live Breakfast Show from January next year." Sally continued: "Naga has just shared the news with the current presenters Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards."
Schedule Changes
Naga will take over from Rick Edwards and Rachel Burden at 5 Live, after they announced they will step down in December. As part of the changes, Rachel will move to present the mid-morning programme, Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 2pm, following 15 years on the station's Breakfast show. Rick will continue to front Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings and remain a key part of 5 Live's output.
Naga is a familiar face to 5 Live listeners, having presented the station's weekday mid-morning programme since 2021, leading conversations on the biggest stories and championing discussions on issues including women's health. Between now and January, she will continue presenting both programmes. BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
