Naga Munchetty, who presents BBC Breakfast, has revealed she will depart the morning show following 17 years of service.
The television personality began working on the programme in 2009 and will exit in December to assume a position as co-host of 5 Live Breakfast in 2027.
Ms Munchetty expressed her enthusiasm about joining 5 Live Breakfast in January, stating that live news, engaging discussions and building relationships with viewers represent what she finds most rewarding about broadcasting, and that 5 Live excels in all these areas. She described presenting a flagship programme on the station as an opportunity she could not afford to miss, acknowledging it would demand considerable effort and complete dedication, but said she was eager to fully commit to the position.
Her appointment comes after current 5 Live Breakfast presenters Rick Edwards and Rachel Burden announced their departure in December. Ms Burden will take on a new mid-morning programme on the station, while Mr Edwards will maintain his role presenting Fighting Talk and remain involved with other 5 Live output.
Ms Munchetty has presented 5 Live’s mid-morning programme since 2021 and will now bring her distinctive approach to the breakfast slot alongside a co-host yet to be confirmed.
Heidi Dawson, head of BBC Radio 5 Live, described Ms Munchetty as one of Britain’s most skilled broadcasters and a treasured member of the 5 Live team. She noted that since arriving at the station, Ms Munchetty had led insightful and significant discussions spanning breaking news, women’s health, sport and social matters, establishing a meaningful rapport with listeners.
Ms Dawson also acknowledged Ms Burden’s lengthy contribution to the breakfast programme, praising her strong presence over many years and her combination of humour, intelligence and rigorous journalism delivered each morning. She highlighted Ms Burden’s exceptional skill in engaging listeners during breaking news coverage, thoughtful interviews and moments of community connection.
Ms Dawson recognised the accomplishments of the partnership between Ms Burden and Mr Edwards, noting they had become one of radio’s best-loved double acts, informing, amusing and keeping company with millions of listeners each morning, with their rapport, expertise and dedication significantly shaping the 5 Live Breakfast programme.
Ms Burden, who has spent 15 years on the show, said she was ready for a new challenge and enthusiastic about her upcoming programme on the station, describing it as a pleasure and honour to have been part of listeners’ mornings for so long.
Mr Edwards said he would miss the programme and particularly his colleague, noting he would miss the loyal audience, the production team, the ritual of eating cake before sunrise, but most of all he would miss Ms Burden, who had become a friend and mentor despite their age difference. He said he was looking forward to two particular aspects of leaving: no longer needing to wake at 3.45am and being able to vape without concern about criticism.
Ms Munchetty will begin presenting 5 Live Breakfast from January 2027, with additional information, including her co-host, to be disclosed at a later date.
John McAndrew, the BBC’s director of live and daily news, said Ms Munchetty would be greatly missed on BBC Breakfast following more than ten years on screen, and would be remembered by the many viewers who welcomed her into their homes each week.