Naga Munchetty's departure from BBC Breakfast has set off a wave of speculation about who will take her place, with several prominent TV names already being linked to the role.
Munchetty, 51, announced she is leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years to front the Radio 5 Live Breakfast programme in January, taking over from Rachel Burden. She will broadcast live from Salford three days a week and London for the remaining two, alongside a co-host yet to be recruited.
Sources told The Sun that bosses view Sally Nugent, who already presents BBC Breakfast, as the future of the show. The same sources praised Nugent's recent interview with Nigel Farage, saying bosses called down to request she cover more conversations of that kind.
However, The Sun also reports that Steph McGovern, Helen Skelton, Tina Daheley and Victoria Derbyshire are among other TV names thought to be in the running.
A source told the publication that bosses intend to take their time with the decision. The source described BBC Breakfast as the jewel in the crown of BBC News and said whoever lands the role will need to be a tough cookie, capable of interrogating top politicians and celebrities day in, day out while enduring early morning starts and the scrutiny of millions of viewers.
A turbulent exit
Munchetty's departure comes after a difficult period. She was reportedly placed under review last summer following complaints about alleged bullying and off-colour jokes spanning three years. Those allegations included claims she was unkind when Nugent unveiled a new look, that she remarked weather presenter Carol Kirkwood had "aged a bit," and that she upset Geri Halliwell-Horner during an on-air interview. There were also alleged complaints about sexual comments made during an ad break.
The investigation has since been quietly dropped, according to reports. An insider told The Sun the move to 5 Live amounts to Munchetty giving two fingers to the TV bosses who spent more than a year investigating the allegations against her. Some BBC insiders, however, see the appointment as a sign she retains the corporation's backing.
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani also took an extended period of leave over separate bullying allegations, with Munchetty reportedly among those who raised concerns. Frediani has since been cleared and returned to work.
Just weeks ago it was reported that Munchetty received another pay rise, bringing her annual salary to between £360,000 and £364,999.
Munchetty on the move
Munchetty said she was thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. She described live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences as what she loves most about broadcasting, and said the flagship 5 Live role was an opportunity too good to pass up.
She said it had been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for 17 years, working alongside talented and hard-working journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends. She added that between now and January she will continue presenting and that it will be business as usual.
5 Live Controller Heidi Dawson described Munchetty as one of the UK's most accomplished broadcasters and a hugely valued member of the 5 Live family.
