BBC Radio 5 Live today announced that Naga Munchetty will become the new co-presenter of 5 Live Breakfast, taking the helm of the station’s flagship morning programme five days a week from January 2027.
The news comes as current 5 Live Breakfast hosts, Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards announced this morning on the programme that they will step down in December.
Munchetty quits BBC Breakfast
According to media reports Munchetty faced a raft of bullying allegations at BBC Breakfast, where the presenter has worked for the past 17 years.
Media reports claimed the presenter was placed under review last year following accusations she was “hard’ and “bullying” towards coworkers over the last few years.
As part of the changes, Rachel Burden will move to present the weekday mid-morning programme, Monday to Wednesday 11-2pm, following 15 years on the station’s Breakfast show.
Rick Edwards will continue to be a familiar voice on 5 Live, fronting Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings and remaining a key part of the station’s output.
On joining 5 Live Breakfast, Munchetty 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Between now and January, I’ll continue presenting the two programmes I love. I’m sure there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will very much be business as usual.”
Rachel Burden said: “After 15 years hosting 5 Live Breakfast, I’ve decided it’s time for a change – and I’m really excited about launching my new show on the station. It’s been an absolute joy and privilege to be part of our listeners’ mornings for all these years. We have been through life-changing events together – from the pandemic to huge political moments, and great sporting journeys.
“They are my extended family, and we’ll carry on doing what we do best – telling stories, sharing experiences and working out the world together. Just this time, on a little bit more sleep.”
Further details, including start dates, and new co-presenter for 5 Live Breakfast will be announced in due course.