Major Schedule Shake-Up at BBC Radio 5 Live as Naga Munchetty Takes Over Breakfast
Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards to make way for BBC Breakfast Star at 5 Live Breakfast
A significant presenter shuffle is coming to BBC Radio 5 Live. Naga Munchetty has been named the new co-host of the station’s flagship morning show, set to take the reins five days a week starting in January 2027.
The announcement follows news delivered earlier today by current 5 Live Breakfast co-hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards, who shared on-air that they will be stepping down from the show this December.
Munchetty’s transition to the morning slot marks a major career pivot, as she will be departing her role as a primary presenter on TV's BBC Breakfast after 12 years on screen, officially stepping away from the television team in December. A search is underway to recruit her replacement on television, as well as her future radio co-presenter on 5 Live Breakfast.
Despite moving on from TV, Munchetty is no stranger to radio listeners. She has hosted 5 Live’s weekday mid-morning slot since 2021, leading coverage on breaking news and tackling key societal issues, including extensive discussions on women's health.
On joining 5 Live Breakfast, Naga Munchetty said:
"I'm thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.
"It has been a privilege to be part of the BBC Breakfast TV team for the past 17 years, working alongside an incredibly talented and hard-working group of journalists who are not only outstanding colleagues but also great friends.
"Presenting a flagship programme on 5 Live is an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up. It will take a huge amount of work and require 100% of my focus and energy, and I'm really looking forward to throwing myself into the role.
"Over the last five years, I've been privileged to build a relationship with 5 Live listeners on the mid-morning programme and help shine a light on the issues that matter most to them. I'm excited to build on that in the Breakfast slot and to start each day with our listeners every morning.
"Between now and January, I'll continue presenting the two programmes I love. I'm sure there will be plenty of news to cover, and it will very much be business as usual."
John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, says:
“After more than a decade on screen for BBC Breakfast, Naga will be hugely missed by the millions of viewers who’ve welcomed her into their homes each week. I’m very pleased that Naga will be staying with the BBC and I wish her the best of luck at 5 Live.”
New Roles for Burden and Edwards
The roster changes will keep both outgoing breakfast hosts within the 5 Live family:
Rachel Burden will transition to the mid-morning slot, broadcasting Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The shift comes after a 15-year tenure on the station's morning show.
Rick Edwards will remain a mainstay on the station, continuing to host the Saturday morning comedy sports show Fighting Talk alongside regular appearances across 5 Live's broader news and sports programming.
Rachel Burden said:
“After 15 years hosting 5 Live Breakfast, I’ve decided it’s time for a change - and I’m really excited about launching my new show on the station. It’s been an absolute joy and privilege to be part of our listeners’ mornings for all these years. We have been through life-changing events together - from the pandemic to huge political moments, and great sporting journeys.
"They are my extended family, and we’ll carry on doing what we do best - telling stories, sharing experiences and working out the world together. Just this time, on a little bit more sleep.”
Rick Edwards said:
“The annoying part for me is that five years on a breakfast show is a decent stint, but next to Rachel’s 15-year marathon, it does look inconsequential.
"I’ll really miss our wonderful audience, I’ll miss the fantastic team, I’ll miss regularly eating cake before dawn, but most of all I’ll miss Rach - a colleague who has become a friend, and also a mentor, because she’s so much older than me.
"Two things I am of course looking forward to are not waking up at 3.45am, and vaping without fear of violent recrimination.
"I’m so grateful to 5 Live for all the opportunities they’ve afforded me - from going to World Cups in far flung locations, to vox pops in covered markets in the Greater Manchester area. Who knows what they have in store for me next? That’s not a rhetorical question. Who do I need to speak to?”
A Station Milestone
BBC Radio 5 Live's breakfast programming remains one of the UK's core platforms for breaking news, political analysis, sports coverage, and audience interaction.
Heidi Dawson, Controller, BBC Radio 5 Live, said:
"Naga is one of the UK's most accomplished broadcasters and a hugely valued member of the 5 Live family. Since joining the station, she has led thoughtful and impactful conversations on everything from breaking news to women's health, sport and social issues, building a strong connection with our listeners. We're delighted she'll be bringing her journalistic rigour, curiosity and energy to 5 Live Breakfast.
"Rachel has been a huge voice on 5 Live Breakfast for many years, bringing wit, intelligence and sharp journalism to the programme every morning. She has a remarkable ability to connect with listeners, whether she's handling breaking news, conducting thoughtful interviews or sharing the moments that bring us together. We're thrilled that our audiences will be able to continue hearing her on her new show.
"Together, Rachel and Rick have formed one of radio's most popular partnerships. They have informed, entertained and accompanied millions each morning, and their chemistry, professionalism and commitment have played a huge role in shaping 5 Live Breakfast in recent years.
"Rick remains a hugely important part of 5 Live, he will continue to front Fighting Talk, as well as playing a key role across our sport and news output.”
The station announced that additional details regarding exact start dates and the identity of Munchetty’s new radio co-host will be shared in due course.
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