Naga Munchetty has come under fire from viewers after making what many described as “rude” and “awkward” remarks to Carol Kirkwood during her final appearance on BBC Breakfast — leaving fans questioning whether tensions between the two presenters run deeper than previously thought.
Carol, who announced earlier this year that she would be stepping down after more than two decades as the show’s beloved weather presenter, marked her final day in the studio on Wednesday. As the emotional moment approached, she thanked her colleagues on-air, joking: “Thank you all for coming — and even you, Nags!” — a remark that hinted at surprise over Naga’s presence.
But what followed quickly raised eyebrows. In a dry tone, Naga responded: “I’m just waiting for the countdown for you to go!” before handing Carol a special illustration by Mr. Men creator Adam Hargreaves, depicting her as Little Miss Sunshine — a nod to her long-standing career.
Carol appeared touched, saying she would treasure the gift and give it pride of place at home. However, the mood shifted when Naga interjected with a sharp quip, asking if she would put it “in the toilet?”
The comments didn’t stop there. Naga went on to ask whether Carol had “stolen anything” during her years at the BBC, before later teasing her again over a celebratory cake, saying: “Are you going to break the habit of a lifetime and actually share the cake?” When Carol jokingly refused, Naga replied: “Exactly. Why change it? We’re only going to remember you one way.”
While some interpreted the exchange as light-hearted banter, many viewers took to social media to criticise what they saw as an uncomfortable and one-sided dynamic. One viewer wrote that Carol “seemed artificially chirpy” while Naga came across as unnecessarily harsh, adding they would have reacted very differently in her position. Another pointed out that Naga had not recorded a solo tribute like other colleagues, instead opting for what they described as “gotcha tactics” that embarrassed Carol. Others openly questioned whether the two presenters ever truly got along.
The backlash comes amid previous scrutiny surrounding Naga, who has faced allegations of bullying behaviour on set in recent months — claims that were escalated into a formal investigation.
Meanwhile, Carol’s departure itself was filled with emotion. Speaking earlier this year, she admitted: “I am going to be leaving. It’s really, really hard for me to say this. I love my job. I love all of you… and, of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years.”
Explaining her decision, she added that she wanted to slow down before the job became physically too demanding, joking she didn’t want to still be presenting “with my Zimmer frame when I can’t reach the northern Isles anymore.”
Looking ahead, Carol revealed her plans to spend more time with her husband Steve, saying their busy schedules had often left them “like ships passing in the night.” She also hopes to travel and focus on writing, adding: “I’ve still got my books… and a few other bits and pieces. I want to travel — we want to travel.”
As she fought back tears during her farewell, Carol told her co-hosts: “I didn’t want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly — so I am sorry I did.”
