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Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Toxic feud destroying BBC Breakfast EXPOSED with bullying probe ‘tip of the iceberg' & Naga Munchetty at ‘her wits end'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE toxic feud ripping apart BBC Breakfast can today be exposed in full – after The Sun revealed the show was facing a bullying probe. Tension between presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt are threatening to combust over opposing views behind the scenes. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Tension between BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt, above, and Naga Munchetty are threatening to combust over opposing views behind the scenes Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 Presenter Naga is 'at her wits' end' over allegations of toxicity Credit: Getty And workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani if they are not in his clique — with Naga 'at her wits' end' over allegations of toxicity. Many fear that Frediani, known as Fredi, feels he is 'untouchable' after helping the show win a Bafta TV Award last month. And it was claimed some staff now avoid being left alone with him following an allegation last year that he physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. The complaint was upheld after a BBC investigation. READ MORE ON BBC SHOW CRISIS BBC Breakfast hit by BULLYING probe as tensions between Naga & Charlie spiral The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them. A source said: 'The probe into Fredi's bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast. 'In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart. 'Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. 'Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. 'But some stars, like Sally Nugent, are loved by Fredi, whereas others, like Naga and Charlie, are not. Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV 'Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you're on the wrong side of him.' A BBC spokesperson said of the claims: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' But the source said: 'With advertising revenues plummeting across commercial terrestrial telly, some younger members of staff feel like they have no alternative but to keep their heads down and try to weather the storm.' Naga, 50, is said to be at the 'end of her tether' with Frediani and the fractious working environment. Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways A source She is known for working backstage to support younger journalists, especially women, and is believed to be frustrated that others accept the 'toxicity as the status quo'. Meanwhile, it is claimed Charlie, 62, takes a more laidback approach and 'films his scenes then leaves'. The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday, whilst Jon Kay and Sally Nugent cover the rest of the week. A source added: 'Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways. 'She is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong and has spoken to people who are unhappy — and is always trying to help others behind the scenes. 'Everyone feels like unless you're in Fredi's circle of favourites, you're likely to get a rough ride.' In a recent interview, Naga insisted she and Charlie were 'good friends' amid reports they had fallen out. The Sun yesterday told how the BBC had launched an investigation into their flagship programme following claims of bullying. 5 The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday Credit: BBC It is understood the probe will take in historical allegations against Frediani, and complaints dating back to 2019. A source added: 'The BBC are keen to stress this is more of an informal probe than a formal investigation involving external lawyers. In which case, when it is widely known how unhappy staff have been, past and present, why are the Corporation relying solely on HR execs to come to a resolution? 'Given everything that has happened these past 18 months, it seems a strange move.' Within hours of our story breaking, viewers were taking to X to question why the reported fallout had not featured in the show's newspaper review. And there were calls for Frediani to be axed. A whistleblower who previously worked with Frediani at both ITV and the Beeb also messaged to describe him as a 'bullying menace'. BBC Breakfast deputy editor Liam Blyth has been holding sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review. The meetings are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast. It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One led to a formal grievance last year. It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints A source Accusers claimed they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person is said to have witnessed Frediani walking out of the production gallery and kicking a bin. In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook the lower-ranking female editor, with the complaint upheld. The Sun has learned that the events have allegedly left staff 'living in fear' of Fredi. One source said: 'It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. 'It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints. 'Bit of a perfectionist' 'People want to feel like there are witnesses present and there is safety in numbers. 'With the whole production up in Manchester, too, there's a disconnect from HQ.' Another insider added: 'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. 'He is very cerebral, but also quite aggressive in his methods. 'Some think a recent promotion has gone to his head. 'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. 'The probe has really divided the newsroom. 'There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results. 'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.' It is the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw shamed newsreader Huw Edwards arrested, Strictly Come Dancing pros under investigation and Match Of The Day star Jermaine Jenas axed for 'inappropriate' behaviour. Just a month ago, Frediani was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal. Crew feel the win has only heightened his behaviour as he is considered to be 'untouchable'. 5 Show workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani Credit: Getty 5 Stars like Sally Nugent are loved by Frediani Credit: BBC Cuts across the TV industry have also left personnel worried about whether they would find work elsewhere if they spoke up and were axed, or chose to quit. A source said: 'The majority feel there is no point in speaking up because Fredi is untouchable. 'Many staffers feel trapped because of the TV world shrinking. 'They're scrambling to stay in their jobs because, if they leave now and can't pivot into another role, they'll be another person in TV out of work. 'They're looking over at the ITV bloodbath — usually ITV would be where they'd go next — but now they can't even go there. 'Many staff relocated up to Manchester to work on the show, so there's that added complication, too.' A BBC insider who has defended Frediani said: 'Yes, he is a bit of a perfectionist, but he is very well liked by many. 'He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.' Last month, ITV announced a raft of swinging cuts to daytime shows Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning. More than 220 jobs will be axed, while Loose Women and Lorraine's schedules will be slashed.
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Toxic feud destroying BBC Breakfast EXPOSED with bullying probe ‘tip of the iceberg' & Naga Munchetty at ‘her wits end'
THE toxic feud ripping apart BBC Breakfast can today be exposed in full – after The Sun revealed the show was facing a bullying probe. Tension between presenters 5 Tension between BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt, above, and Naga Munchetty are threatening to combust over opposing views behind the scenes Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 Presenter Naga is 'at her wits' end' over allegations of toxicity Credit: Getty And workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani if they are not in his clique — with Many fear that Frediani, known as Fredi, feels he is 'untouchable' after helping the show win a Bafta TV Award last month. And it was claimed some staff now avoid being left alone with him following an allegation last year that he physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. The complaint was upheld after a BBC investigation. READ MORE ON BBC The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them. A source said: 'The probe into Fredi's bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast. 'In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart. 'Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. Most read in News TV 'Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. 'But some stars, like Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV 'Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you're on the wrong side of him.' A BBC spokesperson said of the claims: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' But the source said: 'With advertising revenues plummeting across commercial terrestrial telly, some younger members of staff feel like they have no alternative but to keep their heads down and try to weather the storm.' Naga, 50, is said to be at the 'end of her tether' with Frediani and the fractious working environment. Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways A source She is known for working backstage to support younger journalists, especially women, and is believed to be frustrated that others accept the 'toxicity as the status quo'. Meanwhile, it is claimed Charlie, 62, takes a more laidback approach and 'films his scenes then leaves'. The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday, whilst A source added: 'Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways. 'She is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong and has spoken to people who are unhappy — and is always trying to help others behind the scenes. 'Everyone feels like unless you're in Fredi's circle of favourites, you're likely to get a rough ride.' In a recent interview, Naga insisted she and Charlie were 'good friends' amid reports they had fallen out. The Sun yesterday told how the BBC had launched an investigation into their flagship programme following claims of bullying. 5 The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday Credit: BBC It is understood the probe will take in historical allegations against Frediani, and complaints dating back to 2019. A source added: 'The BBC are keen to stress this is more of an informal probe than a formal investigation involving external lawyers. In which case, when it is widely known how unhappy staff have been, past and present, why are the Corporation relying solely on HR execs to come to a resolution? 'Given everything that has happened these past 18 months, it seems a strange move.' Within hours of our story breaking, viewers were taking to X to question why the reported fallout had not featured in the show's newspaper review. And there were calls for Frediani to be axed. A whistleblower who previously worked with Frediani at both ITV and the Beeb also messaged to describe him as a 'bullying menace'. BBC Breakfast deputy editor Liam Blyth has been holding sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review. The meetings are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast. It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One led to a formal grievance last year. It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints A source Accusers claimed they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person is said to have witnessed Frediani walking out of the production gallery and kicking a bin. In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook the lower-ranking female editor, with the complaint upheld. The Sun has learned that the events have allegedly left staff 'living in fear' of Fredi. One source said: 'It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. 'It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints. 'Bit of a perfectionist' 'People want to feel like there are witnesses present and there is safety in numbers. 'With the whole production up in Manchester, too, there's a disconnect from HQ.' Another insider added: 'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. 'He is very cerebral, but also quite aggressive in his methods. 'Some think a recent promotion has gone to his head. 'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. 'The probe has really divided the newsroom. 'There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results. 'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.' It is the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw shamed newsreader Huw Edwards arrested, Just a month ago, Frediani was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal. Crew feel the win has only heightened his behaviour as he is considered to be 'untouchable'. 5 Show workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani Credit: Getty 5 Stars like Sally Nugent are loved by Frediani Credit: BBC Cuts across the TV industry have also left personnel worried about whether they would find work elsewhere if they spoke up and were axed, or chose to quit. A source said: 'The majority feel there is no point in speaking up because Fredi is untouchable. 'Many staffers feel trapped because of the TV world shrinking. 'They're scrambling to stay in their jobs because, if they leave now and can't pivot into another role, they'll be another person in TV out of work. 'They're looking over at the ITV bloodbath — usually ITV would be where they'd go next — but now they can't even go there. 'Many staff relocated up to Manchester to work on the show, so there's that added complication, too.' A BBC insider who has defended Frediani said: 'Yes, he is a bit of a perfectionist, but he is very well liked by many. 'He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.' Last month, ITV announced a raft of swinging cuts to daytime shows Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning. More than 220 jobs will be axed, while Loose Women and Lorraine's schedules will be slashed.
Powys County Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Mr Bates Vs The Post Office wins Bafta but fight for victims ‘not over yet'
The writers of Mr Bates Vs The Post Office said the fight is 'not over yet' after it won the Bafta TV Award for limited drama. The four-part series focuses on the subpostmasters who fought to clear their names in the wake of the Horizon scandal, which wrongly convicted them of offences such as fraud because of the faulty software. Creators of the show including actor Toby Jones who played Sir Alan Bates, writer Gwyneth Hughes and producer Patrick Spencer, hopes the Bafta win will keep the scandal at the forefront of the public's mind as subpostmasters continue to wait for compensation. 'It's not over yet. It's a complicated situation. There's several different compensation schemes going on,' Ms Hughes said at a winner's press conference shortly after receiving the award. 'They're all mired in different parts of the government. Nobody seems to know what's happening. 'Our main characters have not been paid. They haven't got their compensation. It's been going for 25 years. 'If we're on front pages tomorrow waving our very heavy statuettes, then that's bound to get it back in people's consciousness and get people to make an effort.' Mr Bates vs The Post Office wins the BAFTA for Limited Drama 👏 #BAFTATVAwards with @pandocruises — BAFTA (@BAFTA) May 11, 2025 She also said it was 'very distressing' when she realised the scandal was happening in Britain comparing the situation to something that might occur in a country where 'little people don't have any power'. 'It's a British story. I couldn't believe it was happening in my country. When I first heard about it, I thought that can't be true, that can't be right,' she explained. Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV Studios, received the Special Award at the Baftas for commissioning Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, and urged all TV corporations to continue making series to 'make power to account'. 'It really falls to us to remember that these are incredibly important things that must continue to be learned,' he said on stage at the Royal Festival Hall. 'At a time when funding is tricky but not impossible, the ITV and the BBC must continue to make power to account, institutions like the post office to account. 'It is part of a long tradition on TV of these genres that true stories that shine a light on corruption, criminality, miscarriages of justice… but nothing, I think, has had quite the effects Mr Bates' has had.' He urged for those in power to speed up the compensation process for the subpostmasters still waiting to receive payment. 'It's been successful in every way, except one, which is that they still, many of them, have not got their compensation,' he said. 'So I say to anybody who's in charge of sorting out the compensation, will you hurry up and pay these people what they do?' Star of the show Jones described the series as being representative of the 'state of the world now'. Speaking at the winner's press conference, Jones said: 'I think that there's something archetypal about the story that keys into the state of the world now. 'It's not just the postmasters, there's a general sense of disenfranchisement of people feeling cut off from their dreams, cut off from just a lifestyle, cut off from living their lives.' The show's producer Patrick Spence has called for the media to continue 'spreading the message' and raise awareness about the Horizon scandal. 'I think we've done our bit. We carried the baton for a bit. We need you guys to spread the message that they haven't been paid yet,' he said. 'It's not over, and they're being bamboozled with bureaucracy, so please, we beg you, don't make us make another drama. 'Get the message out and tell them seriously if there are still people in abject poverty waiting for compensation.'
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Coogan spared lengthy driving ban to film The Trip
Steve Coogan has been banned for driving for two months instead of six, after telling the judge that a lengthier ban would impact the filming of his popular TV comedy series The Trip. The actor and comedian was caught going at 97mph, well over the 70mph speed limit, while travelling in a Range Rover on the M6 in Staffordshire in July last year. In a letter to Birmingham Magistrates' Court, the 59-year-old urged the court not to disqualify him as he already had six points on his licence and was required to drive while filming a forthcoming series of the The Trip alongside co-star Rob Brydon. His request for five penalty points to be imposed instead of six - which would have led to a six-month ban meaning "the production would likely be unable to proceed", he argued - was granted after he pleaded guilty to the offence on 30 January. Coogan noted that the past penalty points on his licence would be due to expire in August 2025 and that he had stuck to speed limits since the incident. He also reportedly expressed frustration it had taken almost six months for the prosecution to be brought. The court ultimately decided to ban him from driving for two months instead of six, meaning the TV show can be made as planned. He was also ordered to pay a £2,500 fine, plus £90 costs and a £1,000 victim surcharge. Coogan's letter to the court read: "I have a series of important film commitments scheduled for 2025, many of which involve driving as a central component of the work. "I am due to appear in a well-established TV series called The Trip which as the title suggests requires me to drive. "This starts filming towards the end of June 2025 and if I were unable to drive, the production would likely be unable to proceed." The Trip is a largely improvised comedy show directed by Michael Winterbottom, which stars Coogan and Brydon as fictionalised versions of themselves, dealing with life while taking foodie trips around the UK, Italy, Spain and Greece. Coogan won the Bafta TV Award for best male performance in a comedy role in 2011 for his part in series one of The Trip, which bagged best sitcom the same year. The star previously argued for a shorter driving ban on another occasion in 2019, noting how an an extended disqualification would mean he could not film the new series of Alan Partridge. 1990: Steve Coogan's impressions masterclass Steve Coogan praised for Jimmy Savile portrayal 'Playing Savile has the potential for catastrophic failure' Steve Coogan: We ignore gap between rich and poor
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Steve Coogan uses The Trip as excuse to avoid lengthier driving ban
Steve Coogan has been banned for driving for two months instead of six, after telling the judge that a lengthier ban would impact the filming of his popular TV comedy series The actor and comedian was caught going at 97mph, well over the 70mph speed limit, while travelling in a Range Rover on the M6 in Staffordshire in July last a letter to Birmingham Magistrates' Court, the 59-year-old urged the court not to disqualify him as he already had six points on his licence and was required to drive while filming a forthcoming series of the The Trip alongside co-star Rob request for five penalty points to be imposed instead of six - which would have led to a six-month ban meaning "the production would likely be unable to proceed", he argued - was granted after he pleaded guilty to the offence on 30 January. Coogan noted that the past penalty points on his licence would be due to expire in August 2025 and that he had stuck to speed limits since the also reportedly expressed frustration it had taken almost six months for the prosecution to be court ultimately decided to ban him from driving for two months instead of six, meaning the TV show can be made as was also ordered to pay a £2,500 fine, plus £90 costs and a £1,000 victim surcharge. 'Requires me to drive' Coogan's letter to the court read: "I have a series of important film commitments scheduled for 2025, many of which involve driving as a central component of the work."I am due to appear in a well-established TV series called The Trip which as the title suggests requires me to drive."This starts filming towards the end of June 2025 and if I were unable to drive, the production would likely be unable to proceed."The Trip is a largely improvised comedy show directed by Michael Winterbottom, which stars Coogan and Brydon as fictionalised versions of themselves, dealing with life while taking foodie trips and around the UK, Italy, Spain and won the Bafta TV Award for best male performance in a comedy role in 2011 for his part in The Trip, which bagged best sitcom the same Coogan previously argued for a shorter driving ban in 2019, noting how an an extended disqualification would mean he could not film the new series of Alan Partridge.
