11 December 2023 , 13:50
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Naga Munchetty had a dignified and sharp response for a social media troll who lashed out at her with the C word.
The 48-year-old BBC Breakfast star rattled some TV fans last week when she appeared on long-running quiz show Have I Got News For You – where, away from the political correctness of her morning show and appearing on screens after the watershed, she raised eyebrows and chuckles with a savage quip. Naga has hosted BBC Breakfast since 2009 and has also guest presented Have I Got News For You three times over the years.
Last week, she appeared on the satirical show, which offered her a chance to take aim at former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 59. Naga’s episode of Have I Got News For You was recorded and aired around the ongoing Covid-19 enquiry – in which Boris made an appearance last week.
Referencing the inquiry while in the host seat on Friday, Naga said: “This is Boris Johnson’s evidence at the Covid enquiry, talking about aggressive WhatsApp exchanges between his advisors and the Civil Service. Boris Johnson told the enquiry; ‘abusive messages are part of the creative process’.”
Naga Munchetty caused a stir when presenting Have I Got News For You last week (BBC)She then quipped: “I’m buying into this, ok? So, Boris, you’re a useless tosser. Make of that what you will.” Her comment sparked gasps and laughter in the BBC studio, but has divided TV fans online.
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This has also led some less tolerant TV fans to send abuse to Naga, with one sending a vile message to the TV star via X/ Twitter which read: “It is well known inside and outside of the media circuit that @TVNaga01 is a total c**t.”
Noticing the toxic message herself, Naga responded to the X post, writing: “I must ask my (obviously very few) friends to stop talking to strangers…” Naga quickly won support from a number of fellow stars – with radio host Sara Cox responding to her message to joke: “I said nowt I promise. Ps love you.” And Carol Vorderman, who recently left the BBC leaving her free to make more politically charged comments, also defended the star.
Naga was a hit with audiences - who are demanding she present the show full time (BBC)The Welsh icon wrote: “Ah, the old misogynists are out in force.... again... gets dull after a while doesn't it? Sending best.” Naga’s guest hosting spot has led many TV fans to petition the BBC to allow her to host the show full time as she proved to be a hit.
One fan wrote online: “Great hosting. Hope to see you in the chair again soon.“ Another agreed, writing: “Naga's fun cheeky side is perfect for HIGNY bbc should utilise her fun side more.“ Another fan posted: “Give Naga the gig permanently please.“ While a further viewer wrote: “ Naga Munchetty needs to host Have I Got News For You every week.”
Have I Got News For You was originally hosted by comedian Angus Deayton – who featured on the show from 1990 until he was fired in 2002. Angus, now 67, was sacked after he was engulfed by a scandal that saw him accused of using cocaine and hiring prostitutes. Since his departure, different celebrities have taken the hosting seat each week – while team captains Paul Merton, 66, and Ian Hislop, 63, have continued to steer their teams in the years since.