Toxic truth about Naga Munchetty and Sally Nugent’s ‘feud’, revealed by KATIE HIND: Poison briefings, ‘bullying’ svengali and accusations of misogyny and racism exposed Breakfast TV’s nastiest row

None of BBC Breakfast’s loyal viewers can deny that Sally Nugent’s dazzling new look is a fitting ‘flash’ for the popular television presenter.

Gone was the sensible brunette bob and there was barely any makeup. Instead, there was a fluid blow-dry, subtle highlights and a subtle wardrobe makeover to match.

It was enough for the star, who infuriated Alex Ferguson with his news on Manchester United during his time as a sports reporter, to make headlines.

But it was a comment her co-star Naga Munchetty reportedly made to Sally that made her new look a national talking point.

According to reports, presenter Naga (51) had quoted Sally when she saw her make-up: ‘We must be serious journalists; We’re not trying to sound like we’re presenting on This Morning.’

The comment, given to a newspaper, was clearly published with the intention of making Naga look insidious, perhaps even rude, and to imply a rift between the stars.

But as a source from the show noted, nothing could be further from the truth.

Not only was I told that there was no standoff between Naga and Sally, 54, but it was also alleged that the comment was forwarded to a journalist as part of a long-running attempt to discredit Naga by a ‘gang’ in the Breakfast team loyal to the programme’s controversial editor, Richard Frediani.

Claims that Naga Munchetty (pictured) made nasty comments about her co-star’s glow are untrue, a couch tipster has told Katie Hind

They say even Sally’s new appearance is the ‘newest stick’ to defeat Naga. The source said: ‘Sally and Naga are colleagues and friends but they are both professionals; They are very solid and support each other.

‘They are both women working in a program run by a man. ‘They stick together.’

The insider stressed that Sally was a ‘tough cookie’ and said the pair were close and there was no negativity.

‘Naga is in the line of fire and every little thing is being used against him,’ the source added. ‘This is not a fair representation of reality. ‘Breakfast has been run for too long by a man not well known for his diplomacy.’

Frediani, who took office in 2019, has been the target of at least two misconduct complaints related to his behavior.

He allegedly shouted at staff, took his anger out on office furniture and made no secret of the fact that he had favorites on the team.

Meanwhile, Naga and co-star Charlie Stayt found themselves the subject of an internal review due to separate complaints made about his behavior and, in Naga’s case, allegations of bullying; these allegations were denied.

But it was Naga, not Charlie or Frediani, who faced the most public scrutiny over the allegations.

Sally Nugent was photographed wearing a white dress at the National Television Awards on September 10 last year

A senior staff member points out that Breakfast has a tradition of strong female presenters at the helm.

Sian Williams and Louise Minchin, two of the show’s longest-serving presenters, also accepted ‘no’, according to their former colleagues. But neither has the criticism that Naga has attracted.

So why is Naga being targeted now? Someone said to me that there is a growing perception that there may be an ‘element of racism’ in everything.

They said Naga would never present himself as a victim and would never complain.

‘Naga is a journalist first and foremost and does not put up with nonsense,’ they said. ‘When he believes in something strongly he doesn’t back down and that rubs some people the wrong way.

‘Sian and Louise were the same but they didn’t get that reaction. It feels like there’s an element of racism here, but Naga continues with it.

‘He never whines about it but that’s the view his colleagues spread. Everything becomes very clear.’

His comrades believe misogyny may also have been a factor, noting that although Stayt was “under scrutiny” he was not the subject of “bad briefings in the press”.

Katie Hind writes: “Not only was I told there was no standoff between Naga and Sally, 54, but it was also alleged that the comment was forwarded to a journalist as part of a long-running attempt to discredit Naga by a ‘gang’ of the Breakfast team loyal to the show’s controversial editor, Richard Frediani.”

The insider added: ‘Naga has high standards for himself and others but is really nice and supportive.

‘They all are. It’s not as toxic as ITV. Everything is so, so wrong. I mean, now Sally’s blow dryer is being included in the anti-Naga campaign.’

I first reported this on BBC Breakfast in 2020, when I was contacted by a number of staff who claimed Frediani was a bully.

He was reportedly cleared of bullying allegations, but I understand a woman’s complaint was upheld after she claimed he physically shook her during a heated newsroom conversation.

Naga is said to support junior staff, which allegedly leads Frediani’s “gang” of mostly men to go after him.

Last June, it was claimed that Naga was questioned by bosses over two incidents in three years; one of which was an accusation that he bullied a junior staff member. I was told this was not approved.

It was also reported that he was taken in after making a sex joke during his other BBC role on Five Live. I heard this comment and can confirm it was not directed at anyone; this was a question about a vulgar picture of a woman.

It was soon reported that Naga was picky with subordinate staff about how much he enjoyed toast. According to sources, it is clear where and why all this comes from.

But Naga is tired of all these little things. He was rumored to be looking for another job but apparently had no success. Sources say he is determined not to be expelled.

It helps that he has the support of some of the BBC’s best-known presenters, such as Jeremy Vine.

Sally can definitely take care of herself, too.

He previously worked as a sports reporter at Breakfast, joining in 2021 and impressing the brass with his coverage of the late rugby player Rob Burrows’ battle with motor neurone disease.

Birkenhead-born Sally split from husband Gavin Hawthorn in 2023 and is said to be ‘very keen on life’ as a divorcee.

A friend said: ‘Sally is in her prime. It’s a very common time for women to say fuck it and give themselves a makeover; He just had no idea it would create this kind of reaction.’

Nor could he have predicted, as one Breakfast staffer quipped, that it would leave him in the middle of the show’s conflicting parties.