Naga Munchetty 'looking for new job and set to quit' BBC Breakfast after bullying row
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has reportedly 'renewed talks' with a radio station away from the corporation amid a bullying row that has plagued the morning programme. Last month, it was revealed show boss Richard Frediani was on extended leave on the flagship show after complaints about his behaviour.
Host Munchetty was also said to not get on with him. However, many staff members came out in defence of the editor. One even told the Mirror that some staff were disappointed with Munchetty who it's claimed raised concerns about Frediani's management style with BBC managers.
And now, a source has claimed that the presenter 'loves the BBC' but is looking for a new job.
Speaking to The Sun, they said: "Her team last week renewed talks with LBC. The Global Radio station would suit her as there's far less of the fluffy nonsense that's involved in working at the BBC.' The Mirror have reached out to Munchetty's reps for comment.
Meanwhile, the BBC's annual salary was recently published and Munchetty was revealed to be earning almost double her co-host Charlie Stayt's pay.
Stayt and Munchetty present BBC Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday morning, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent take the helm from Monday to Wednesday.
Stayt, aged 63, has stayed within the £190,000 salary band, whereas Munchetty, aged 50, has enjoyed a £10,000 increase to her earnings, moving from £345,000 to £355,000.
Munchetty, who has presented on the flagship news programme since 2014, has always been paid more than Stayt. Her pay packet accounts for 180 days of presenting on BBC Breakfast, as well as her Radio 5 Live programme and election coverage.
The BBC pay comes amid a bullying row concerning the BBC Breakfast editor. Some current and former staff of the programme jumped to his defence.
One source told the Mirror: 'He is not a bully at all and the truth will come out. He's a great boss and was - and is still - overwhelmingly loved by the team, who respect his drive, expertise, and journalistic ambition. He has delivered great audiences and the first ever Bafta for breakfast TV.
'He can be brash and opinionated but works so hard for his team and allows people to flourish.'
A second source said: 'Yes, he is old-school and can rub people up the wrong way but it's always in the pursuit of great television. It's the best-rating breakfast show in the country - it's not supposed to be a walk in the park. Some - Naga included - need to understand this. It feels like it's a case of presenter power turfing out a brilliant journalist.'
Co-host Stayt is also said to have a strained relationship with Frediani.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE MasterChef bosses DO want to air Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series 'when the dust has settled' - despite 'possible legal action by sacked hosts'
MasterChef bosses are reportedly pushing to air Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series 'when the dust settles' after they were both sacked from the cooking show. The upcoming series' - which have already been filmed - features former I'm A Celeb star and restaurant critic Grace Dent, who replaced Gregg to co-host with John. The Sun reports that The BBC and production company Banijay plan to air both the amateur and celebrity editions. A source told the publication: 'The BBC and Banijay have faced a moral and professional dilemma like never before. Obviously Gregg's case was more clear cut, but John being dragged through the mud wasn't what anyone wanted or expected to happen. 'But at the same time, and as a publicly funded body, the BBC has a duty to both provide entertainment as well as fulfil its obligations to cast, crew, contestants and viewers alike. 'If they were to can these two series, hundreds of people — those who appeared or worked on the shows — would be so bitterly disappointed. So the feeling at present is that the show, quite literally, must go on — albeit once the dust has settled and all the fuss died down.' However, MailOnline understands BBC director general Tim Davie, who has the final say, has not yet made his decision on whether MasterChef will or will not be aired. The decision comes as Australian chef John plans to take legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from MasterChef. Sources told The Mirror: 'John is preparing to launch the lawsuit against the BBC. He wants to pursue them for unfair dismissal. 'He's telling people there is no proof of his supposed comment. It was not in a work capacity, it was just hearsay. John is determined to clear his name.' But, such legal action may prove impossible for John as sources told MailOnline his contract was with Banijay rather than the BBC. MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. The Australian chef was dramatically axed from MasterChef - hours after the BBC's director general refused to back him over an allegation of using racist language. The corporation said the host's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during drinks after filming the show. The complaint against John was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour. Gregg, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld. John identified himself on Monday as an unnamed person in the report who was accused of using 'racist language'. However, the presenter said 'he had absolutely no recollection' of the incident and did 'not believe that it happened'. But in a statement yesterday, the BBC said: 'This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. 'We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Hours before the announcement, BBC director general Tim Davie had refused to back John and said he expected 'action to be taken' over the allegation. He delivered the remarks as the BBC released its annual report - an occasion overshadowed by controversies for the second year in a row. Last year's was published amid the fallout over news presenter Huw Edwards who pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children. Asked about the Torode racism row, Tim Davie said: 'The BBC in some ways are quite simple on this - if someone is found to not live up to our values we expect the independent company, Banijay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done. 'These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.' Tim added: 'I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make ing drinks sure we're in the right place in ness terms of the culture of the show.' It had been alleged by a source close to John that he had used an inappropriate racial term during drinks after filming. The witness claimed he had apologised immediately and 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'. No one complained at the time but the incident was brought up during the inquiry into Gregg, they said. On Monday, John said he had 'absolutely no recollection' of the incident and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. 'I would never wish to cause anyone offence,' he added. Responding to his sacking, John, who is married to actress and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner, said: 'I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in the last few says seem to have prevented that.' He said he 'had loved every minute' working on the show but it was 'time to pass the cutlery to someone else'. 'Life is everchanging and ever moving and sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere,' he added.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The real BBC rich list REVEALED: From Stacey Solomon to Richard Osman and Rylan Clark - the stars earnings the corporation don't publish
Earlier this week it was revealed Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball have topped the BBC rich list again this year as their whopping salaries were published. The BBC's annual report for 2024/25 showed the sport star's £1.35 million salary made him the Beeb's highest-paid star over the last year with Zoe the highest-paid woman at the corporation on £519,000, despite working part-time. However it appears they aren't really the richest stars at the corporation as several famous faces were absent from the report. The likes of Stacey Solomon, Rylan Clark and Claudia Winkleman were not listed as BBC studios, its own commercial arm, does not have to publish the salaries of its own stars. A dive into several presenters filings of their limited firms registered at Companies House means it is possible to estimate the earnings of some fan favourites. So who really is topping the BBC hidden rich list? Stacey Solomon - £7.3million Back in April MailOnline revealed Stacey to be worth a staggering £7.3million after dramatically increasing her fortune last year. The Dagenham-born TV star, 35, who presents BBC show Sort Your Life Out, has enlarged her earnings from £1.4million in 2023 to £3million the following year, with the former X Factor finalist's business Key Map Entertainment now valued at over £7million. Mother-of-five Stacey made a portion of her wealth after securing a reality show deal with the BBC, which follows her life with husband, ex-EastEnders actor Joe Swash, 43, and their children. The former singer has earned her fortune by fronting multiple womenswear and children's ranges with high street giant Primark, homeware collections in supermarket Asda, and lucrative social media deals with the likes of Jet2 and In The Style. Richard Osman - £3,702,23 He was best known for co-hosting Pointless and has since gone on to host House Of Games. And Records for Six Seven Entertainment - of which Richard, 54, is the sole director - saw retained earnings come in at £3,702,23 in 2025, up from £1,904,477 the year before. It comes after a stellar year for the former Pointless host, which saw the build up to his series being adapted by Netflix, starring Dame Helen Mirren, Celia Imrie, Pierce Brosnan and Sir Ben Kingsley. Louis Theroux - £2,883,786 Louis' company Blobfish Limited made a total of £2,883,786 according to its most recent accounts, increasing its earnings by around £1 million between 2022 and 2023. While he has been the BBC's unassuming interviewer for 26 years, it seems he is taking a step back from his work with the national broadcaster. After two series of Louis Theroux Interviews, it was reported by The Sun earlier this year that Louis will not be making any more series for the foreseeable future and will instead be working with Netlix. Graham Norton - £2,774,145 The Irish star has been presenting his Friday night BBC chat show for 18 years and last year signed a deal with ITV, thought to be worth around £1million, to front a rebooted version of Wheel of Fortune. His former production company So Television was also bought by ITV in a deal reported to be worth up to £17million in 2012 and, last year, he took a £2.7million salary from So. Michael McIntyre - £1,753,861 Earlier this year the BBC announced they had secured a further two series of Michael McIntyre's The Wheel and The Big Show. His own production firm, Hungry McBear, with TV producer pal Dan Baldwin worth £1,753,861 in 2023. Claudia Winkleman - £1,575,279 Claudia's company Little Owl Production shows a total equity of £1,575,279 for the 2024 accounts. And the presenter is one of the channel's favourite presenters as the success of The Traitors continues to go from strength to strength. It's reported that she has a £1million deal to continue making the show and also earns around £600,000 a year for presenting Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly. Rylan Clark - £1,447,866 Rylan's Limited companies house shows he made £1,447,866 according to last year's accounts. The presenter has become a household name and despite rising to fame on the X Factor he is now an established figure at the BBC. He hosts his own Radio 2 show and earlier this year won the Corporation a Bafta TV award for his Grand Tour travel show alongside Rob Rinder. It has been a rocky year for the BBC and there are also some stars who have since parted ways with the corporation including Wynne Evans and most recently Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Wynne Evans - £734,830 Wynne was axed by the BBC following a controversial comment made during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in January, but his accounts show he made £734,830 in 2024. After his BBC Wales show was cut, Wynne announced that he would be launching a new radio show - which he has now confirmed he will record from The Welsh House. After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show. Then, it was revealed that his travelogue series with Joanna Page was cancelled after just one series. The programme originally aired in February and March of this year and was placed on ice when Wynne was dropped from the Strictly tour before returning to screens. Gregg Wallace - £24,830 Documents show Gregg's company Lobster Enterprises made £24,830 as of February this year. Gregg is said to be plotting a 'secret survival plan' and is desperate to keep earning, having been side-lined since last year following a raft of allegations about his inappropriate behaviour on set at MasterChef. A report this week substantiated 45 of the 83 allegations against him, and the BBC informed the star that it had no intention of working with him in the future. John Torode - £47,351 Meanwhile coming bottom of the list, John's company Caspar 10 Ltd shows accounts of £47,351 for 2025. The BBC also sacked John for 'using an extremely offensive racist term'. The Australian chef, 59, was axed from the cooking competition in an announcement from the broadcaster on Tuesday afternoon after the Gregg Wallace investigation also found John had once used an 'extremely offensive racist term', allegedly during some drinks after filming. John posted to Instagram on Tuesday evening to say he had 'no recollection' of the incident and did not believe it had happened.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC 'will still air Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final MasterChef series' despite axe
The BBC and Banijay UK are reportedly still planning to air the final MasterChef series featuring axed Gregg Wallace and John Torode despite findings - and when the 'dust settles' Gregg Wallace and John Torode's final series of MasterChef will reportedly still be aired. It has been revealed that the BBC and Banijay UK are keen to air the final two series featuring the presenters "when the dust settles". Gregg Wallace's position on MasterChef became "untenable" after 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month investigation. John Torode was also axed after he confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language. However, John said he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened. Now sources have revealed that the BBC and Banijay are currently planning to air the already-filmed two series of MasterChef including a celebrity version. Gregg and John both appear in one and Grace Dent stepped in for Gregg in the other. "These past eight months have been truly hellish for all concerned. The BBC and Banijay have faced a moral and professional dilemma like never before. Obviously Gregg's case was more clear cut, but John being dragged through the mud wasn't what anyone wanted or expected to happen," a source said. "But at the same time, and as a publicly funded body, the BBC has a duty to both provide entertainment as well as fulfil its obligations to cast, crew, contestants and viewers alike. If they were to can these two series, hundreds of people — those who appeared or worked on the shows — would be so bitterly disappointed." The insider added to The Sun: "So the feeling at present is that the show, quite literally, must go on — albeit once the dust has settled and all the fuss died down. The two presenters have already been cancelled on the Beeb — they don't wish to cancel the series too; neither of which, it must be noted, received any complaints." The BBC has been contacted by The Mirror for comment. In a lengthy statement, the BBC said they had no plans to work with Wallace again. They wrote: "We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace's behaviour. We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC. "No decision has yet been made over the completed series of MasterChef, which was not broadcast earlier this year while the investigation was conducted. At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part. At the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants."
