BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has surprised fans with dramatic throwback photos showing her sporting long hair - a stark contrast to her signature short style that viewers know today.
From financial reporter to breakfast television star
The 50-year-old journalist began her broadcasting career as a reporter for Reuters Financial Television before climbing the ranks to become a senior producer for CNBC Europe. She later served as a business producer and reporter for Channel 4 News and presented on Bloomberg Television.
Since joining the BBC in 2010, Naga has become a familiar face waking up the nation with early morning bulletins on both the BBC News Channel and BBC World News. She currently co-hosts BBC Breakfast alongside Charlie Stayt from Thursday to Saturday each week.
The Strictly makeover and childhood curls
During her appearance on the 14th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, partnered with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, Naga showcased a completely different look with voluminous curls. The pair were voted out in week four of the competition.
Further childhood photos have emerged showing the broadcaster with shoulder-length curls, proving her long-haired look wasn't just for Strictly. However, Naga has been quite vocal about her preference for shorter hair.
Pandemic hair confession
During the Covid-19 lockdown, the presenter admitted to taking matters into her own hands when she couldn't visit a salon. "I couldn't take it anymore, I actually cut all my hair," she revealed at the time.
Despite concerns from her hairdressing and makeup friends, Naga defended her DIY approach: "It's neat, there are no chunks out of it, I think it's okay. A bit messy, maybe." She later confessed to her Instagram followers that she had only intended to trim the sides but got carried away dealing with "misbehaving" curly bits.
Comforting a grieving mother on air
The hair revelations come shortly after Naga's compassionate exchange with a bereaved guest during Saturday's BBC Breakfast episode on November 15. She and co-host Charlie Stayt shared the heartbreaking story of 14-year-old Jacob Calland, who tragically lost his life earlier this year when his e-scooter collided with a car.
Speaking with Jacob's mother Carly, who has launched a campaign to raise awareness about e-scooter safety, Naga offered comforting words: "You're entitled to as many bad days as you like, may I say," demonstrating her empathy and professionalism during the poignant segment.
