Naga Munchetty announced in July that she is departing BBC Breakfast, trading the TV sofa for the presenter’s seat on Radio 5 Live’s breakfast show next year
Naga Munchetty announced her exit in July (Image: BBC)
Former BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern has disclosed whether she would ever return to the programme, following Naga Munchetty’s recent departure. The 44-year-old left the morning show in October 2019 to host her own series, Steph’s Packed Lunch, on Channel 4.
The presenter’s live lunchtime programme featured celebrity interviews, food segments and entertainment, alongside lifestyle and consumer stories making the headlines.
After more than three years broadcasting, however, Channel 4 axed the show in 2023, stating that audience habits were “changing quicker than ever”.
Steph has since pursued other career opportunities, including launching a podcast, concentrating on her businesses and presenting consumer programmes.
Alongside her hectic schedule, she is also mum to a six-year-old daughter, whose name she has never publicly revealed.
When asked by The Metro if she could ever return to the programme, she said: “My life goes in stages and this stage isn’t one that involves getting up at half past three to go on telly.”
Steph also commented on her former colleague Naga’s departure after 17 years, which was announced back in July.
When asked if she had any guidance for Naga following her exit from BBC Breakfast, she added: “I don’t think I need to give Naga any advice, she’s an all-round legend.
“I talk to her mainly to check in on how we are. We don’t discuss career things. She’s a powerhouse in herself and brilliant at what she does.”
Naga has revealed she is departing the programme, trading the TV sofa for the presenter’s seat on Radio 5 Live’s breakfast show.
She had already been fronting the programme three days a week while balancing her BBC Breakfast commitments, but will take on the role five days a week from January.
In a statement, she said: “It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends.
“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,” she added.
John McAndrew, the BBC’s director of live and daily news, said Naga would be “hugely missed by the millions of viewers who’ve welcomed her into their homes each week”.
He continued: “I’m very pleased that Naga will be staying with the BBC and I wish her the best of luck at 5 Live.”
Naga will present her final show on the red sofa in December, before embarking on her new venture. Her exit follows Carol Kirkwood’s departure as the show’s weather presenter after 28 years earlier this year.
In an emotional on-air statement in January, she said: “I want to spend more time with my gorgeous husband Steve. We’re ships that pass in the night, so I’m really looking forward to doing that. We want to travel as well.”
She went on to say: “I’ve loved my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job.”
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One
