BBC Radio 5 Live today announces that Naga Munchetty will become the new co-presenter of 5 Live Breakfast, taking the helm of the station’s flagship morning programme five days a week from January 2027.
The news comes as current 5 Live Breakfast hosts, Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards announced this morning on the programme that they will step down in December.
As part of the changes, Rachel Burden will move to present the weekday mid-morning programme, Monday to Wednesday 11-2pm, following 15 years on the station’s Breakfast show.
Rick Edwards will continue to be a familiar voice on 5 Live, fronting Fighting Talk on Saturday mornings and remaining a key part of the station’s output.
A familiar voice to 5 Live listeners, Naga has presented the station’s weekday mid-morning programme since 2021, leading conversations on the biggest stories of the day while championing discussions on issues including women’s health. She will continue to bring those passions and perspectives to 5 Live Breakfast alongside a new co-host who will be recruited in due course.
BBC 5 Live Breakfast is the voice of the UK, breaking the biggest news and sport stories and bringing audiences closer to the moments that matter. From major political interviews and insightful sports analysis to the funniest listener contributions, the programme reflects the views, experiences and humour of people across the country, helping the nation understand and debate the stories shaping the day ahead.
On joining 5 Live Breakfast, Naga 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.
“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.
“Over the last five years, I’ve been privileged to build a relationship with 5 Live listeners on the mid-morning programme and help shine a light on the issues that matter most to them. I’m excited to build on that in the Breakfast slot and to start each day with our listeners every morning.
“Between now and January, I’ll continue presenting the two programmes I love. I’m sure there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will very much be business as usual.”
Rachel Burden 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. We have been through life-changing events together – from the pandemic to huge political moments, and great sporting journeys.
“They are my extended family, and we’ll carry on doing what we do best – telling stories, sharing experiences and working out the world together. Just this time, on a little bit more sleep.”
Rick Edwards said: “The annoying part for me is that five years on a breakfast show is a decent stint, but next to Rachel’s 15-year marathon, it does look inconsequential.
“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.
“I’m so grateful to 5 Live for all the opportunities they’ve afforded me – from going to World Cups in far flung locations, to vox pops in covered markets in the Greater Manchester area. Who knows what they have in store for me next? That’s not a rhetorical question. Who do I need to speak to?”
Heidi Dawson, Controller, 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. We’re delighted she’ll be bringing her journalistic rigour, curiosity and energy to 5 Live Breakfast.
“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. We’re thrilled that our audiences will be able to continue hearing her on her new show.
“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.
“Rick remains a hugely important part of 5 Live, he will continue to front Fighting Talk, as well as playing a key role across our sport and news output.”
After 12 years as one of BBC Breakfast’s main presenters, Naga Munchetty will leave the programme in December to take up her new role as co-presenter of 5 Live Breakfast in the New Year. A new BBC Breakfast presenter will be recruited in due course.
John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, says: “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. I’m very pleased that Naga will be staying with the BBC and I wish her the best of luck at 5 Live.”
Further details, including start dates, and new co-presenter for 5 Live Breakfast will be announced in due course.
Notes
- Naga Munchetty will become presenter of BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast from the New Year.
- Naga has presented BBC Radio 5 Live’s weekday mid-morning programme since January 2021.
- Rachel Burden has been a presenter on 5 Live Breakfast for 15 years, and the station for 23 years. She will move on to present the weekday mid-morning programme, replacing Naga’s current slot.
- Rick Edwards will continue to present Fighting Talk on Saturdays.
- A new co-presenter for 5 Live Breakfast will be recruited later in the year.
- Naga will co-present 5 Live Breakfast five days a week, Monday to Friday, live from Salford for three days and London for two days a week.
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