BBC Breakfast forced into host shake up as Naga Munchetty 'missing' from show

25 January 2024 , 09:28

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Naga Munchetty usually hosts the show with Charlie Stayt on Thursdays

Naga Munchetty was "missing" from BBC Breakfast as her co-star stepped in after months off air.

The presenter usually fronts the BBC morning programme with Charlie Stayt every Thursday to Saturday. However, she did not make an appearance on Thursday (January 25) with Nina Warhurst replacing her. Naga's absence wasn't addressed by either of the hosts as they discussed the day's headlines.

Nina has only recently just returned from maternity leave as she welcomed her third child with husband Ed Fraser in July. Earlier this month Nina returned to the BBC studio as host Jon Kay happily introduced her, with Nina telling her co-star that she missed them. She went on to gush about her baby and said her baby girl is "the best".

Nina Warhurst filled in for Naga as she presented with Charlie Stayt (BBC)

Jon told viewers: "I am delighted to say that back from maternity leave it's Nina. Lovely to see you." Nina said: "Thank you very much it's lovely to be back. I have missed the gang. I'm missing the baby this morning very much but yeah it's lovely to be back. Best job in the world. And best baby in the world. She added: "I know everyone thinks their baby is the best one but sorry guys, mine actually is."

BBC Breakfast has been hit by other presenter shake ups this month after Charlie was "missing" from the show last week. Naga was joined by journalist Ben Thompson as viewers noted it was the third weekend the veteran presenter hadn't appeared.

Naga Munchetty and co-stars bid farewell to BBC Breakfast colleague amid exit

It left fans wondering where he was spending his Saturdays as Naga and Ben talked viewers through the day's headlines instead. At the start of the year Jon Kay announced there would be changes to BBC Breakfast as they launched their extended shows. He wrote: "It’s a big week for the #BBCBreakfast team. From now on, the programme will be 15 minutes longer Mon-Fri.

"Then at 0930 our friends and neighbours @BBCMorningLive take over - and their show has been extended, too! The UK’s two biggest morning shows just got BIGGER!" Breakfast was previously live from 6:00am to 9:15am, and Morning Live airing for 45 minutes until 10:00am.

While Naga has also turned her had to presenting other shows as she recently fronted satirical news programme Have I Got News For You. Naga presented alongside Maisie Adam and Richard Osman, with her appearance going down a treat with fans. "Great hosting. Hope to see you in the chair again soon," said one fan as they flocked to X, formally Twitter. "Naga Munchetty needs to host Have I Got News For You every week," said another. While someone else said: "Naga's fun cheeky side is perfect for HIGNY BBC should utilise her fun side more."

Mia O'Hare