BBC Breakfast viewers have begged a guest presenter to host “full-time” amid the investigation shrouding Naga Munchetty.
Munchetty, 50, was placed under review in August following complaints of bullying over a three-year period.
She was accused of bullying a female colleague and making a “wildly unprofessional” off-air sex joke that left a co-worker “humiliated”.
The broadcaster will reportedly be allowed to remain at the BBC’s flagship morning show under strict conditions while an official investigation takes place.
BBC Breakfast often alternates between Munchetty and fellow regular host Sally Nugent, bringing in guest presenters like Rachel Burden, Emma Vardy, Luxmy Gopal and Sarah Campbell.
And during Tuesday’s broadcast, journalist Nina Warhurst, 45, fronted the programme alongside Ben Thompson.
Warhurst had a seven-year stint on BBC Breakfast but told fans earlier this year that she was moving to present the BBC’s News at One. However, she still occasionally appears on the early morning show.
Viewers praised Warhurst’s “natural” interviewing skills and called her a “true pro” onscreen, urging producers to bring her back for good.
"Good to see @NinaWarhurst back on the sofa. Bring her back full-time,” one wrote on X.
"SO nice to have Nina back on the sofa. She's so natural with people and a true pro. You've been missed - but love you on the 1300 news too,” another added.
Another viewer commented: "I like Nina, she's great." While one person shared: Nice to see Nina for a change this morning."
Warhurst left BBC Breakfast in April, with co-host Jon Kay praising her at the time as “one of the most talented, dedicated, versatile, fun and fearless people”.
Munchetty presents the programme alongside Charlie Stayt every Thursday to Saturday, having joined the show in 2014.
She has been accused of being “hard” and “bullying” her coworkers and came under fire for two alleged incidents over a three-year period, according to a number of sources.
The presenter allegedly used a crude word for a sex act and asked a colleague if they had done it in 2022.
The exact comment hasn’t been reported, however one source claimed it was, “crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional. The person felt embarrassed”.
Munchetty was also accused of bullying a woman last year, with The Sun claiming she allegedly accused a younger staffer of stealing, without presenting evidence.
“It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised,” an insider said.
In November, BBC bosses reportedly escalated their review into an official investigation into Munchetty’s alleged behaviour after more complaints were made.
It has now been claimed the broadcaster has assigned watchdogs to keep a close eye on Munchetty in the studios while the probe takes place.
She has been allowed to remain on-air but will have members of production monitoring her and is only allowed to speak to “specific people”, sources claimed.
The Standard contacted Munchetty’s representative for comment at the time. A BBC spokesperson said: “We do not comment on individual HR matters.”
