Naga Munchetty explains BBC Breakfast absence as ‘lovely’ host replaces her

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Naga Munchetty has explained why she was absent from BBC Breakfast last week after fans shared their concern.

The presenter, 51, was missing from her usual co-hosting seat alongside Charlie Stayt on Thursday, Friday and Saturday – the days she typically fronts the BBC’s flagship morning show.

She was replaced by presenter and royal correspondent Sarah Campbell, who joined the BBC in 1997 and regularly appears as a relief anchor.

Viewers praised Campbell for her hosting duties, with one writing, “Lovely to see you on Breakfast this morning,” and another adding: “Loved watching you for a few days Sarah.”

Munchetty – who recently announced that she is leaving BBC Breakfast – took to her Instagram on Sunday to share why she failed to appear on the show.

The broadcaster, who reportedly faced a bullying investigation last year, revealed she enjoyed a mini golfing break with friends in Inverness, Scotland.

Naga Munchetty BBCShe shared photos of a golf course overlooking the sea on social media, writing: “My happy place. Friends, giggles and Golf (of course). Haste ye back.”

Her fans shared their relief at learning she was only away from their screens for a holiday, with one commenting: “Hope you’re having a lovely time, wondered why you weren’t on Breakfast.”

“Oh I see now! I was worried you weren’t coming back!” another added.

Munchetty is expected to make her final appearance on Breakfast in December before officially starting on the Radio 5 show in January 2027, replacing current hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards.

BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent, 54, is reportedly being lined up as Munchetty’s replacement.

Producers were “thrilled” with her recent clash with Reform leader Nigel Farage and believe she is the “future” of the show, according to The Sun.

Munchetty announced in July that she is quitting BBC Breakfast after 17 years on the show. The decision comes after she was reportedly placed under review last summer following complaints of bullying over a three-year period.

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The broadcaster was accused of bullying a female colleague and making a “wildly unprofessional” off-air sex joke that left a co-worker “humiliated”.

In 2022, she allegedly used a crude word for a sex act and asked a colleague if they had done it. The exact comment hasn’t been reported, however one source claimed it was, “crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional,” and added: “The person felt embarrassed.”

Sally Campbell filled in for the presenter BBCMunchetty was also allegedly accused a younger staffer of stealing, without presenting evidence.

In a separate alleged incident, Munchetty was accused of telling off an intern over the quality of her Marmite on toast. The investigation has since been “quietly closed” and the outcome was never made public, The Sun reported.

Munchetty also faced backlash in April for making seemingly “rude” comments towards Carol Kirkwood during the weather presenter’s last day.

She made a series of playful remarks that viewers claimed were intended to “embarrass” Kirkwood, including saying that she was “waiting for the countdown” for Kirkwood to go.

After the backlash, sources insisted the pair are “close personal friends”.

Additionally, Munchetty ruffled feathers with her joke about Sally Nugent’s new hairstyle, saying: “We’re meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we’re presenting This Morning.”