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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rebecca Cook

Naga Munchetty pays emotional tribute to BBC co-star as he quits show

Naga Munchetty took to social media to bid an emotional farewell to one of her BBC colleagues after he announced his departure from Newsnight.

The BBC Breakfast host paid tribute to Stephen Smith, describing him as a ‘bloody decent person’.

After the Newsnight Culture correspondent announced his departure from the Beeb, Naga wrote: “One of the best creative wordsmiths/journalists I've ever had the honour to work with.

“And above all, a bloody decent person. Good luck, Stephen!”

Stephen announced his exit from the broadcaster with a statement to his social media, writing: “Some professional news – and it’s goodnight from me for the last time.

The BBC Breakfast host paid tribute to Stephen Smith (BBC)

“I was fortunate to meet a who’s who of everyone who matters in arts & culture, from Scorsese to Stormzy.

“Thanks to the producers, camera crews and picture editors I worked with – at least they were, mostly, getting paid.”

Following Stephen's announcement, his followers and colleagues flocked to the post to wish him well.

Radio 4's Evan Davis wrote: “Stephen, you are one of a kind. And also very kind. And funny. And knowledgeable.

His followers and colleagues flocked to the post to wish him well. (BBC)

“Such a pleasure to have been at Newsnight alongside you.”

BBC's health reporter Jim Reed added: “Some of the best packages I’ve ever seen on Newsnight Steve. You’ll be missed.”

While a third person added: “Oh no! One of my favourite voices! All the best with whatever is next.”

This comes after Naga Munchetty was left flustered when Lewis Capaldi made a racy sex joke live on BBC Breakfast.

The Scottish singer was on the show on Saturday morning to promote his new single Forget Me, which shot to the top of the charts last week giving him his third number one.

But during the chat with Naga and co-host Charlie Stayt there was a “classic breakdown of communication”, Lewis explained on Twitter afterwards.

It all started off innocently when 25-year-old Lewis told Charlie he had “great hair”.

“You’ve got great hair too,” Charlie replied, before Lewis leant in to give the breakfast presenter a high five.

Naga then jokingly asked the pair if they “would like a room” as their budding bromance continued.

Seemingly forgetting he was on live TV, Lewis replied: “I thought you said rim.”

A shocked Naga covered her face in embarrassment and stared down at the camera as she swiftly moved things on.

Ending the interview, she told viewers: “We’re going to have a little word with Lewis” as he laughed in the background.

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One.

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