BBC Breakfast hit by BULLYING probe as tensions between Naga Munchetty & Charlie Stayt spiral & boss branded tyrannical
A BULLYING investigation has rocked the BBC's flagship morning show.
It follows claims the atmosphere on BBC Breakfast has become toxic, with hosts
Advertisement
3
Hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty have fallen out, it is claimed
Credit: PA
3
Tensions between between Charlie and Naga have been described as 'rife'
Credit: BBC
3
Boss Richard Frediani proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award
Credit: Getty
And boss Richard Frediani has been accused of 'tyrannical' behaviour.
A source said: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings.
Advertisement
'But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture.'
It is just the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw disgraced newsreader
investigation
and Match of the Day star
Just a month ago, Frediani, known as Fredi, was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal.
But, away from the cameras, the source revealed all was not well, saying: 'Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy.
'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife.
Advertisement
Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom.
Source
'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head.
'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy.
'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom.
"There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results.
Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV
'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.'
Advertisement
Other presenters including
The show's deputy editor Liam Blyth has been conducting sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture
Review
.
The sessions are taking place across BBC
News
— independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast.
It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One of them led to a formal grievance last year.
'Believes he will be vindicated'
Complainants alleged they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person witnessed Frediani walk out of the production gallery and kick a bin.
Advertisement
In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. It was investigated by the BBC and the woman's complaint was upheld.
Another BBC insider defended Frediani, saying: 'Yes, he is a bit of perfectionist but he is very well liked by many. He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.'
It was also reported Naga and Charlie, who present from Thursdays to Saturdays, had fallen out.
But in a recent interview Naga insisted they were 'good friends'.
The BBC said it would not comment on HR issues.
Advertisement
However another BBC insider added: 'The welfare of employees takes priority and the BBC's code of conduct sets out clear expectations.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
8 hours ago
- Irish Independent
What to watch on TV and streaming today: Oasis at the BBC, Apocalypse Now and Murderer Behind The Mask
Oasis at the BBC BBC Two, 8.35pm An evening dedicated to the Gallagher brothers — Noel, left and Liam — and their cohorts starts with a selection of performances from the BBC's archives. It's followed by 1997 documentary Oasis: Right Here, Right Now (10.20pm) and Later Presents Oasis from 2000 (11pm). Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John Channel 4, 10.25pm Stand-up performance recorded at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. The comedian's first live show for six years reveals how he managed to find humour even in his darkest hour, with help from a surprising source. In the Arena: Serena Williams BBC One, 11.10pm & 11.55pm Fascinating eight-part series in which the tennis star looks back on her 27-year career, one of the most successful in the sport's history. It begins with an insight into Serena's early years on the circuit when she was in the shadow of her older sister Venus, to her first Grand Slam victory at the 1999 US Open. Dune RTÉ One, 9.25pm Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed take on Frank Herbert's sci-fi novel stars Timothée Chalamet as a gifted young man who faces numerous challenges while trying to secure the future of his family and his people. A second instalment followed in 2024. Apocalypse Now RTÉ One, 12.20am Acclaimed Oscar-winning Vietnam War drama, inspired by Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness. An army captain is sent to kill a fellow officer who has gone insane, but finds his own state of mind pushed to its limit. Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando star. Murderer Behind The Mask Prime Video, streaming now ADVERTISEMENT Learn more True crime isn't just the purview of Netflix, you know, and this Prime Video offering about Elaine O'Hara and Graham Dwyer hits particularly close to home. It highlights how An Garda Síochana meticulously pieced together the truth, turning an overlooked case into one of Ireland's most haunting murder trials. Back in September 2013, the remains of childcare worker O'Hara were discovered in the Dublin mountains. Initially believed to be a suicide, her case took a twisted tangent when fishermen stumbled upon crucial evidence leading to Dwyer, a respected architect who lived in Foxrock with his wife and kids. Beneath his carefully crafted facade lurked a secret life fuelled by a dark stabbing obsession, revealed through his disturbing text exchanges with O'Hara. Over the course of two 45-minute instalments, this Wag Entertainment-produced series purports to uncover how the investigation unfolded and the tragic story behind Elaine's murder. The Waterfront Netflix, streaming now From the makers of Dawson's Creek and Scream, we have this deliciously ridiculous number inspired by true events. It centres on the Buckley family, who have ruled Havenport, North Carolina, for decades. Now, with their patriarch, Harlan (Holt McCallany), recovering from multiple heart attacks (not helped by his predilection for impromptu punching sessions with his son), they resort to drug smuggling courtesy of a surprising face (belonging to Topher Grace). For more glossy, far-fetched US drama, season three of Manifest is available from Monday. The Buccaneers AppleTV+, streaming now Apple's answer to Bridgerton (but with bonus Americans) is here with its second season. Grenfell: Uncovered Netflix, streaming now Exploring the events leading up to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, this heart-rendering documentary reveals decisions by businesses and government that contributed to the tragedy. Somebody Feed Phil Netflix, streaming now This time, Phil visits Amsterdam, Tbilisi, Sydney, Adelaide, Manila, Vegas, Guatemala, San Sebastián and Boston, while enjoying a spot of bone gnawing with Ray Romano and Brad Garrett along the way. The Many Deaths of Nora Dalmasso Netflix, streaming now She wasn't rich, famous, or part of the swinger set. Rather 'a symbol of what happens to those who stray from the patriarchal mould'. In other unsolved murder documentaries on Netflix, we have I'm Your Venus, landing on Monday.
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Wynne Evans slams BBC again over ‘double standards' after Naga Munchetty is hauled in over sex jibe
WYNNE Evans has lashed out at the BBC again over its "double standards". The axed radio star commented on The Sun revealing BBC Breakfast presenter Advertisement 2 Naga Munchetty is the first female presenter to be caught up in the series of scandals which have gripped the Beeb Credit: BBC 2 Wynne Evans hit out at the BBC over the handling of his Strictly scandals Credit: Dan Charity Wynne shared today's front page of the newspaper detailing the programme's toxicity row, amid claims Naga was reprimanded by bosses over two incidents in three years — including allegations she bullied a junior staffer. Posting The Sun front page in a now-deleted post, Wynne said: "I really wish Naga well and I hope she doesn't get hounded. "But come on @bbc @bbccymruwales what double standards. "Tim Davie [Director-general of the BBC] promised to protect people on Strictly from being hounded by the press, but he won't even meet with me." Advertisement READ MORE ON BBC Wynne recently sat down with The Sun's Clemmie Moodie to reveal his side of the story after losing his job following three allegations levelled against him. The first, dubbed 'gropegate', came when he moved his hand over pro partner waist in the Clauditorium. The other was when The Sun on Sunday revealed he had sent a sex toy to Jamie, which the EastEnders star was caught on camera laughing about. The third was from a video of him which, it was claimed, was in relation to married pro . Advertisement Most read in News TV He accused the BBC of abandoning him in the wake of a series of controversies that erupted during and after his time on Strictly Come Dancing. The corporation said he was offered a dedicated contact at the BBC and was offered "continued" mental health support since his contract concluded. BBC star Naga Munchetty hauled in by bosses over allegations she BULLIED a junior staffer and 'made an off-air sex jibe' Director General Tim Davie issued an unprecedented apology, and vowed to clean the show up, after a A raft of ex-contestants then came forward with their own horror stories. Another dancer, Advertisement Naga is the first female presenter to be caught up in the series of scandals which have gripped the Beeb. She was reprimanded by a senior producer over the sex jibe, but no formal action was taken. As the BBC is now facing questions of double standards, an insider said: 'If a male presenter made a sexual comment like that or falsely accused someone of theft, he'd be out the door. But with Naga, it gets brushed off.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
16 must watch TV series of the summer – from Keeley Hawes spy thriller to Danny Dyer comedy and return of Netflix hits
THE summer telly schedules are bringing the heat — with can't-miss premieres and buzzy returns. Whether you want to escape with reality TV, like ITV's Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, or get bingeing with red-hot dramas such as Netflix's Squid Game, there are plenty of shows to keep you glued to the couch. 14 Olivia Rodrigo will be among the famous faces at Glastonbury, which will be screened on the BBC Credit: Getty There's also the live drama of the And with the return of fan favourites such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Wednesday, you can settle in with some old friends. Jess Lester rounds up the best of the upcoming TV . . . Attack On London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers -Netflix, July 14 Former Prime Minister Tony Blair features in a documentary on the 7/7 bombings NETFLIX is no stranger to a true-crime documentary, and this time it has turned its attentions to London's worst terrorist attack. READ MORE ON TV Through interviews , archive footage and expert analysis, including with then PM Tony Blair, it celebrates the resilience of those who worked around the clock to put the guilty individuals behind bars. There is a deeper dive into the broader issues of terrorism, too. Destination X - BBC, July 14 Rob Brydon is set to host a new competition show, Destination X Credit: THERE'S a Most read in News TV The show takes contestants on a journey on a blacked-out bus, sending them on a mystery road trip across Europe not telling them where they are, or where they are heading. Through a mix of clever challenges and red herrings, they must guess each destination or face elimination from the show, which is based on a popular Belgian format that launched last year. Think And with prize money likely up for grabs, it's all to play for. The Summer I Turned Pretty - Prime Video, July 16 14 Amazon Prime Video show The Summer I Turned Pretty is back for a third series Credit: Erika Doss/Prime IT'S set to be an emotional finale as The Summer I Turned Pretty returns for its third series, finishing up Jenny Han's much-loved trilogy of books. This time, there's a two-year time jump as Belly (Lola Tung) is further into her college education. Season two saw her end things with Conrad, and instead choose other love interest Jeremiah. But as they plan their future together, possibly even a wedding, Conrad returns and reignites long-simmering feelings between him and Belly. With the love triangle at the centre of the story, there's a mammoth 11 episodes for Belly to figure out what she really wants. But will she? Squid Game - Netflix, June 27 14 Surprise Netflix hit Squid Game is back for another new series at the end of June Credit: Netflix SQUID Game took the world by storm in 2021, and now its highly anticipated third and final series hopes to captivate audiences once again. We see lead character Seong Gi-hun, below, regroup with Cho Sang-woo and Kang Sae-byeok after the failed armed uprising from the previous season. The survivors are determined to bring down the cruel billionaires who orchestrate the deadly games. However, to succeed, they must first continue playing the brutal competitions , all while secretly plotting their escape. But the question remains: Will they survive the games this time and finally end the nightmare? The Couple Next Door - Channel 4, July FOLLOWING the success of the first series on Channel 4 – it was the broadcaster's biggest scripted series streaming launch ever – the drama is back with a fresh storyline and new cast. In this next chapter, the plot centres around Charlotte Roberts (Annabel Scholey), a brilliant heart surgeon, and her husband Jacob (Sam Palladio), a consultant anaesthetist. Things will be turned upside down when mysterious new hospital colleague Mia (Aggy K Adams, above) rents the house next door and becomes entangled in their personal and professional lives. While Charlotte navigates the reappearance of her past flame, the hunky Leo (Sendhil Ramamurthy), only time will tell whether Mia will spell disaster for the formerly happily married pair. The Assassin - Prime Video, July 14 Keeley Hawes is set to star in new Prime Video drama The Assassin Credit: THE ASSASSIN 2025 © Prime Video/Two Brothers Pictures/ Photographer: Robert Viglasky Keeley plays Julie, a retired assassin who is enjoying a quiet life on a remote Greek island – until her estranged son Edward arrives, that is. He has come to ask questions about his father, but it sets a whole chain of events in motion. Julie and Edward, played by The Good Doctor's Freddie, go on to uncover a dark conspiracy and are forced to head off on the run. Julie's complicated past then resurfaces and her fractured relationship with her son is put to the ultimate test. The Bear - Disney+, June 26 14 The Bear is back for a new series after the last ended on a cliffhanger Credit: 2025, FX. All rights reserved. IN what is likely to be the final series of Disney+'s much-loved drama, Jeremy Allen White is in a race against time to secure the restaurant's future. At the end of the last series, the restaurant was ripped apart by a review in The Chicago Tribune. Joined once again by Ayo Edebiri's Sydney , Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Richie and the rest of The Bear crew, Chef Carmy (White, above) will once again be chasing Michelin glory. It's all under wraps, but the cast will likely be packed with even more guest appearances, after series three featured John Cena, Thomas Keller and Will Poulter. Glastonbury - BBC, from June 27 THE BBC is showing more than 90 hours of the festival, with live streams from five main stages, and on-demand content for 30 days. The likes of Clara Amgo, Jo Whiley, Lauren Laverne and Huw Stephens will be there to guide viewers through the action on the iPlayer Glastonbury Channel. Neil Young The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, The channel will also have special recap montages from previous festivals, including Beyonce and Coldplay. The Hostage - Netflix, August 21 14 Suranne Jones returns to our screens playing a Prime Minister in a new Netflix drama Credit: Des Willie/Netflix SHE'S played some big characters and now But her life is turned upside down when her husband is kidnapped and she is forced to work together with the French President, a long-time rival. The two powerful women, who are also being blackmailed, have to navigate betrayal, danger and looming threats to their careers and personal lives in this twisting five-parter. Also featuring are Queen Charlotte hunk Corey Mylchreest, Miss Scarlet's Sophie Robertson, Before Sunrise actress Julie Delpy and actor and musician Ashley 'Bashy' Thomas. Dora And The Search For Sol Dorado - Paramount+, July 4 STARTING off as an animation series in 2000, Dora The Explorer had her first live action film in 2019's Lost City Of Gold. Now she is back for more adventuring. This time, teenage Dora, played by Samantha Lorraine , is embarking on a new journey deep in the jungle on a quest to find the mythical treasure of Sol Dorado. Along the way she will have to battle villains, with the help of her loyal cousin Diego, archaeologist Camila the Crusader and her trusty sidekick Boots the monkey. After making its premiere on kids' channel Nickelodeon UK on July 2, it will be available to stream – for kids and adults – on Paramout+. The Institute - MGM+, July 13 14 Martin Freeman's son Joe features in Stephen King-based horror The Institute Credit: Chris Reardon/MGM+ BASED on a 2019 novel by horror writer Stephen King, this eight-episode thriller follows 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis, who is kidnapped and wakes up in a mysterious facility where children with unusual abilities are being held against their will. As Luke (played by Martin Freeman's son Joe) plots his escape, a former police officer, who has moved to the town for a quiet life, uncovers disturbing facts about the place, known as The Institute. Expect Stranger Things-style superpowers and the same kind of simmering discomfort as Stephen's previous TV adaptations, Castle Rock and The Outsider. Mr Bigstuff - Sky, July 14 Danny Dyer is back for a new series of Bafta winning comedy Mr Bigstuff Credit: ©Sky UK AFTER winning a Bafta for its first series, Sky's hit comedy returns for a second run, reuniting Ryan Sampson and Danny Dyer as brothers Glen and Lee. This time, the Essex duo navigate the Earth-shattering revelation that their dad might still be alive, sending the pair into a meltdown over how to locate him. Meanwhile, secrets threaten to tear the family apart. Expect a host of new characters, including Rula Lenska as the eccentric Rita, and Shaun Williamson playing a surprisingly angry children's entertainer. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters - ITV, July 14 A brand new reality show will test the fears of celebrities when they dive with sharks WHAT better way to mark the 50th anniversary of the film Jaws than to challenge a group of ocean-phobic celebrities to dive alongside sharks? Filmed off the coast of Bimini in the Bahamas, this new reality format sees the group coming face to face with increasingly larger and more dangerous sharks. The high-stakes, five-part show will feature Sir From panic attacks to near-miss encounters with the apex predators, the celebrities will be pushed to their personal limits in what is sure to make fun viewing. Wednesday - Netflix, August 6 14 Addams Family inspired drama Wednesday is back for an eagerly awaited new series Credit: JONATHAN HESSION/NETFLIX HIT series Wednesday became Netflix's most-watched English-language series of all time, in large part thanks to Jenna Ortega's deadpan performance of the iconic Addams Family character. And after solidifying itself in pop culture with the help of a viral dance, there's little surprise the series is back, this time with a darker mystery. Wednesday returns to boarding school Nevermore only to discover there is a serial killer on the loose. Series two brings back fan favourites Morticia, Gomez and Pugsley, while fresh faces on the cast list include Steve Buscemi and Joanna Lumley . Uefa Women's Euros - ITV & BBC, from July 2 14 There is live sport to get excited about when the Women's European Championships kick off Credit: Getty THE BBC and ITV are sharing coverage of the Women's Euros in Switzerland as the Lionesses, captained by BBC Sport will air half of the group-stage matches, including both England and Wales' games against the Netherlands , as well as three of the tense quarter-finals. Commentary and analysis will come from The England v Wales clash on July 13 will be a big live draw for ITV. Both channels will simultaneously broadcast the final on July 27. Thursday Murder Club - Netflix, August 28 14 Screen legends Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan are set to feature in Thursday Murder Club Credit: Giles Keyte/Netflix RICHARD Osman's best-selling first book is hitting the box with a star-studded cast. The series follows sharp-witted retirees – ex-spy Elizabeth, former union activist Ron, retired psychiatrist Ibrahim and nurse Joyce – in a fancy village for old folks who meet to solve cold cases. But then they find themselves caught up in a current murder that happens on their doorstep – and like the nosy old folk they are, they get to work trying to solve it. With a cast list that includes Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, above, plus Sir Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie,
