BBC’s Scotch pie palaver
Breakfast sofa gets very uncomfortable as Munchetty monsters co-presenter over item on mutton favourites
SHE’S known for her no-nonsense attitude to evasive politicians – but BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty has increasingly been turning her disdain on co-presenter Charlie Stayt, viewers believe.
Frictions appeared to come to a head last week, during what should have been a light-hearted segment about the World Scotch Pie Championships. As Mr Stayt, 59, explained the different categories, Ms Munchetty barked: ‘You can’t just sit here and read a list and not discuss the list.’
Her repeated interruptions were accompanied by a scornful look.
There were other awkward exchanges on Thursday’s programme. When Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty was discussing his new suit and Mr Stayt said he wouldn’t
‘Her interruptions are bloody rude’
‘carry it off well at all’, Ms Munchetty chimed in: ‘Everyone agrees, by the way.’
The tension did not go unnoticed by the show’s three million viewers. One took to Twitter to say they had to switch off over the way 46-year-old Ms Munchetty was ‘goading’ her co-host, adding: ‘I really don’t think there is any need. I find it very uncomfortable to watch.’
Another said ‘I find Naga so rude lately… always cutting Charlie off mid-sentence. It’s not probing and questioning, it’s just bloody rude. Let the man speak.’
A third appealed to producers to stop putting the pair on together, adding: ‘It’s so awkward to watch… Naga can’t hide her distaste for him.’ The plea may have been heeded as Stayt was missing from Friday’s show, replaced by journalist Jon Kay.
A spokesman for the BBC said there is ‘no credibility’ in rumours of friction between Ms Munchetty and Mr Stayt.