Sally Nugent shows off her glamorous new look as she leaves BBC Breakfast after being “brutally mocked by the under-fire Naga Munchetty.”
Sally Nugent turned heads on Wednesday morning as she stepped out of BBC Studios in Salford showcasing a noticeably more glamorous look — but the makeover has reportedly sparked tensions behind the scenes at BBC Breakfast.
The 54-year-old presenter revealed a flowing new hairstyle as she left the studio wrapped in a cream wool jacket, teamed with dark jeans, a pink jumper and green trainers. Keeping her makeup soft and fresh, she completed the look with gold hoop earrings and a black handbag while departing alongside co-host Jon Kay.
While many viewers praised Sally’s apparent “glow-up,” insiders claim the change has not gone down well with everyone — particularly with co-star Naga Munchetty, who is currently under formal investigation over alleged bullying behaviour.
According to reports, Naga allegedly fumed: “We’re meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we’re presenting This Morning.” The remark is said to have been perceived by some as a pointed dig at Sally’s revamped style.
Sources say the comment created what one insider described as “a nasty little moment” during what has already been a turbulent period for the show. “Things have been ticking along fairly quietly for the last couple of months whilst the bullying investigations continued but this was a nasty little moment,” the insider claimed. “Sally tries to keep out of the rivalries but this latest comment feels particularly targeted. What’s wrong with having a few highlights and trying out new styles? Sally is loving the new look – it doesn’t detract in any way from her work or how good a journalist she is.”
Sally previously shared photos of her updated hairstyle on Instagram, tagging celebrity hair colourist Calum Tierney, known for working with stars including Michelle Keegan and Samia Longchambon.
Meanwhile, Naga’s future on the programme remains uncertain. Initially placed under review in August after colleagues reportedly raised concerns about her “hard” management style, the matter escalated into a formal investigation in November. A source previously claimed: “Naga has not been taken off air but now has certain members of production monitoring her and her interactions. She’s only allowed to speak to specific people too. It’s far from ideal as a way of working and everyone hopes it comes to a head someway or another soon.”
The BBC has consistently declined to comment, stating: “We do not comment on individual staff issues.”
Sally has co-hosted the programme from Monday to Wednesday since 2021, following Louise Minchin’s departure, while Naga has been part of the show since 2014. Off screen, Sally split from her husband Gavin Hawthorn in 2023 after 13 years of marriage; the former couple share a son.
As the investigation continues, what began as a simple style refresh has now become the latest flashpoint in an already fragile newsroom atmosphere.
