BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty has come under fire on social media for her questioning style during this morning’s broadcast on November 20. Alongside co-anchor Charlie Stayt, Munchetty welcomed Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to the sofa to discuss the region’s ambitious billion-pound Good Growth Fund, which is being financed through “prudent borrowing” against future business rates (BBC News).

From the outset, Naga’s interviewing style drew attention. Viewers noted that she pressed Burnham persistently, seeking direct answers to her questions, but her approach divided opinions. Some praised her tenacity, while others accused her of being overly aggressive.

Naga Munchetty Was ‘Unpleasant’ to BBC Breakfast Guest Andy Burnham

Throughout the segment, Burnham appeared increasingly frustrated as Munchetty repeatedly interrupted him while he attempted to explain his points. At one moment, he interjected, “Let me answer your question,” a statement that underscored his exasperation.

Fans quickly took to social media platform X to express their disapproval. One viewer wrote, “Andy Burnham schooling @BBCBreakfast and they don’t like it. Interrupting, not letting him finish his sentence.” Another commented, “Ridiculous questioning from Naga creating something from nothing.” A third described the interview as “diabolical,” criticizing the “unprofessional” manner of Munchetty, while yet another tweeted, “I come down in the morning, grab a cuppa, and pop #bbcbreakfast on to ease me into the day. NOT to listen to the TV equivalent of a snowball fight. Sort yourself out, Naga Munchetty, that verbal joust with Andy Burnham was a mess & not what I watch breakfast TV for” (The Guardian).

Despite the backlash, some viewers sympathized with Naga, suggesting that Burnham himself was being difficult to pin down. “Give up asking Naga, he’s not going to answer your question, all he does is talk louder,” one fan wrote. Another added, “You tell him, Naga. Andy is an arrogant [bleep]” (Metro).

‘Part of the Territory’

The discussion escalated when Munchetty and Stayt pressed Burnham on whether he planned to leave his mayoral post to challenge in the next Prime Ministerial election. Charlie Stayt defended the line of questioning, noting that such probing is “part of the territory” for political interviews. Nevertheless, the exchange highlighted the tension that can arise when presenters confront high-profile figures about sensitive topics (BBC News).

It’s Not the First Time Naga Has Dealt With Difficult Interviewees

Naga Munchetty is no stranger to challenging interviews. Last autumn, she found herself in a comical yet awkward exchange with comedian Bill Bailey, who was promoting his book My Animals, and Other Animals: A Memoir of Sorts. During the segment, Munchetty singled out a photo of Bailey posing with a husky in Iceland and asked, “Is that your tongue or the dog’s tongue?”

A bewildered Bailey responded, “That’s the dog’s tongue, what do you mean is that my tongue? It’s coming out sideways! That’s not the sort of thing I’d do! That’s the dog’s tongue!” Despite his explanation, Munchetty persisted: “Look, you can see if someone said that’s your tongue, it would be believable!” Bailey later admitted, “That’s not the question I thought I was going to get today: ‘Is that your tongue or the dog’s?’” (BBC News).

This incident, along with her recent interview with Burnham, illustrates Munchetty’s persistence as a journalist but also explains why her interviewing style sometimes attracts criticism. Balancing firmness and approachability remains a challenge for live television presenters, particularly on high-profile political and entertainment interviews (The Guardian, Metro).