Naga Munchetty to leave BBC Breakfast after landing new job

The TV star first joined the show back in 2009, but in December, she will leave to take up a new role as co-presenter of 5 Live Breakfast in 2027.

Ms Munchetty said: “I’m thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January.

“Live news, great conversations, and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.

“Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up.

“It will take a huge amount of work and require 100% of my focus and energy, and I’m really looking forward to throwing myself into the role.”

Her appointment follows the announcement that current 5 Live Breakfast hosts, Rick Edwards and Rachel Burden, will step down in December.

Ms Burden will move to a new mid-morning show on the station, while Mr Edwards will continue to present Fighting Talk and remain part of 5 Live’s broader programming.

Ms Munchetty has hosted 5 Live’s mid-morning show since 2021 and will now bring her trademark style to the breakfast slot, joined by a yet-to-be-named co-host.

Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Naga is one of the UK’s most accomplished broadcasters and a hugely valued member of the 5 Live family.

“Since joining the station, she has led thoughtful and impactful conversations on everything from breaking news to women’s health, sport and social issues, building a strong connection with our listeners.”

She also paid tribute to Ms Burden’s long tenure on the breakfast show.

She said: “Rachel has been a huge voice on 5 Live Breakfast for many years, bringing wit, intelligence, and sharp journalism to the programme every morning.

“She has a remarkable ability to connect with listeners, whether she’s handling breaking news, conducting thoughtful interviews, or sharing the moments that bring us together.”

Ms Dawson recognised the success of the Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards partnership.

She said: “Together, Rachel and Rick have formed one of radio’s most popular partnerships.

“They have informed, entertained and accompanied millions each morning, and their chemistry, professionalism and commitment have played a huge role in shaping 5 Live Breakfast in recent years.”

Ms Burden, who has spent 15 years on the show, said she was looking forward to her new role.

She said: “After 15 years hosting 5 Live Breakfast, I’ve decided it’s time for a change – and I’m really excited about launching my new show on the station.

“It’s been an absolute joy and privilege to be part of our listeners’ mornings for all these years.”

Mr Edwards said he would miss the show, particularly working with Ms Burden.

He said: “I’ll really miss our wonderful audience, I’ll miss the fantastic team, I’ll miss regularly eating cake before dawn, but most of all I’ll miss Rach – a colleague who has become a friend, and also a mentor, because she’s so much older than me.

“Two things I am, of course, looking forward to are not waking up at 3.45am, and vaping without fear of violent recrimination.”

Ms Munchetty will present 5 Live Breakfast from January 2027, with further details, including her co-host, to be announced later.

John McAndrew, director of live and daily news at the BBC, said Ms Munchetty would be missed on BBC Breakfast.

He said: “After more than a decade on screen for BBC Breakfast, Naga will be hugely missed by the millions of viewers who’ve welcomed her into their homes each week.”