BBC Breakfast Feud Erupts as Naga Munchetty Slams Sally Nugent's Glamorous New Look
BBC Breakfast has been plunged into fresh controversy as a reported feud between two of its star presenters escalates. Sally Nugent's glamorous new hairstyle has allegedly sparked fury from her colleague Naga Munchetty, who is currently at the centre of a bullying investigation. The under-fire morning show continues to grapple with workplace tensions that threaten to undermine its reputation.
Bullying Investigation Background
Naga Munchetty was initially placed under review in August following multiple complaints from colleagues about her allegedly 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour. By November, this had escalated into a full formal investigation by BBC management. The broadcaster, who earns between £355,000 and £359,999 annually, has reportedly been allowed to remain on air but with restrictions including working only with specific producers and having her interactions monitored.
The Glamour Controversy
Amid this tense atmosphere, Sally Nugent debuted a flowing new hairstyle on Instagram, tagging celebrity hair colourist Calum Tierney who has worked with stars including Michelle Keegan and Samia Longchambon. While many viewers praised her 'glow-up,' sources claim Naga Munchetty responded with a brutal dig at her colleague's appearance.
According to insiders, Munchetty reportedly ranted: 'We're meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we're presenting This Morning.'
An insider told The Sun: 'Things have been ticking along fairly quietly for the last couple of months whilst the bullying investigations continued but this was a nasty little moment. Sally tries to keep out of the rivalries but this latest comment feels particularly targeted. What's wrong with having a few highlights and trying out new styles?'
Show Dynamics and Personal Lives
The BBC Breakfast presenting schedule sees Sally Nugent hosting alongside Jon Kay from Mondays to Wednesdays, while Naga Munchetty fronts the show with Charlie Stayt from Thursdays to Saturdays. Nugent joined the programme in 2021 following Louise Minchin's departure, while Munchetty has been part of the show since 2014.
In her personal life, Sally Nugent separated from her husband, businessman Gavin Hawthorn, in May 2023 after thirteen years of marriage. The couple share a son together.
Broader BBC Turmoil
The Breakfast show controversy unfolds against a backdrop of significant upheaval at the BBC. Director General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness both resigned recently amid an impartiality row following an internal report that accused the corporation of institutional bias and censorship. Turness's departure has reportedly left Naga Munchetty in a 'vulnerable' position regarding her future at the broadcaster.
An insider revealed: 'The Naga situation has been an albatross around Breakfast's neck since June when the endemic bullying at Media City was first exposed by The Sun. Whilst others have been cleared, the review on Naga has done the opposite - with further complaints against her.'
Additional Allegations and Fallout
Naga Munchetty's conduct has faced multiple challenges beyond the bullying investigation. She was reportedly spoken to by executives after a junior staffer accused her of bullying behaviour. In a separate incident, she was hauled into a meeting after allegedly making a sex jibe during an ad break while hosting her radio show, where she reportedly used crude slang and asked a colleague about sexual acts.
Her co-host Charlie Stayt also remains 'under review' according to reports, and tensions between the pair are said to be 'rife.' Notably, Munchetty is paid almost double Stayt's salary, with him remaining in the £190,000 bracket.
Career Uncertainties
Munchetty's professional representation has shifted significantly. She is no longer represented by agents M&C Saatchi, who also dropped BBC One Show host Jermaine Jenas following his sexting scandal. Her new agents have reportedly held talks with rival station LBC to explore alternative opportunities, suggesting her future at BBC Breakfast remains uncertain.
The BBC has maintained a consistent position throughout these controversies, stating: 'We do not comment on individual staff issues' and 'We do not comment on individual HR matters.'
This latest glamour-related clash adds another layer of toxicity to a programme already struggling with serious allegations about its workplace culture. As investigations continue and careers hang in the balance, BBC Breakfast faces mounting pressure to resolve its internal conflicts while maintaining its position as Britain's leading morning news programme.
