Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt were back on the BBC Breakfast sofa on Thursday for the first time since reports emerged of an internal bullying investigation into the long-running morning show.
The flagship programme is facing a probe after “unhappy” employees made a formal complaint against “tyrannical” editor Richard Frediani, according to The Sun.
Despite the pair’s high-profile return, the broadcast was marred by a series of technical problems.
Following an interview with Heston Blumenthal about his recent bipolar diagnosis, Munchetty attempted to guide viewers to mental health resources – but her co-host was abruptly cut off mid-sentence.
“Time now to get the news, travel...” Stayt began, before his microphone appeared to cut out and the camera panned away.
The glitches continued throughout the episode, with microphone issues during the weather segment and a complete sound dropout during a live report from Joe Pike.
Adding to the awkwardness, Thursday’s installment also marked Stayt’s 63rd birthday – a fact not lost on viewers.
“Poor Charlie being cut off during the local news announcement, on his birthday too #bbcbreakfast.,” one person wrote on X.
Another quipped: “#bbcbreakfast Looks like the interns have taken over the production room this morning.
“Sequencing issues, sound problems and cutting people off mid-flow...”
Sources claimed “tension is rife” between presenters Munchetty and Strayt and added that Munchetty has spoken to staff members who feel uncomfortable at the show.
“To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy,” an insider said.
“Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. 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.”
The source added: “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.”
The insider stated that some staffers think Frediani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job, while others believe his approach is “too tough” for 2025.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We do not comment on individual HR issues.” The Standard previously approached representatives for Munchetty, and Strayt for comment.
In April, it was claimed Muchetty was “barely speaking” to Frediani after allegedly accusing him of bullying and misconduct.
A source told The Times: "Fredi has no relationship with Charlie and Naga, which is weird when they are half of his frontline presenting roster. It appears he doesn't like them and they don't like him — for whatever reason, they don't talk to each other."
An insider claimed tensions between Frediani and his team had "blown up" in BBC staff WhatsApp groups.
Munchetty has reportedly approached BBC News managers to raise concerns about Frediani’s treatment of colleagues, Deadline News reports, and is said to be "quite open" about these issues.
Frediani is understood to have faced two previous misconduct complaints, including one allegation that he physically manhandled a woman during a heated newsroom exchange in 2024.
