On April 1, Carol Kirkwood appeared on BBC Breakfast for one final time before retiring – but some comments Naga Munchetty made towards her were described as ‘rude’ by viewers
There were complaints about Naga Munchetty’s treatment of Carol Kirkwood(Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast viewers submitted official complaints over Naga Munchetty’s treatment of Carol Kirkwood on air, it has emerged.
The TV host, 51, came under fire for “rude” comments she made towards the 64-year-old retired Scottish weather presenter on the April 1 broadcast of the morning show. That day Carol, who announced earlier this year she would step down after more than 25 years on air, appeared on the show for the final time.
As her final minutes on-air rolled around, she said: “Thank you all for coming – and even you, Nags!” and seemed surprised that her co-star was there for her. But Naga replied: “I’m just waiting for the countdown for you to go!”
Carol was then presented with an illustration done by Adam Hargreaves, author of the Mr. Men books, with the weather presenter in the style of Little Miss Sunshine in a nod to her lengthy career. An emotional Carol declared: “I will treasure this! It’s going to have pride of place…” before Naga interrupted: “In the toilet?”
Naga then asked Carol: “You’ve not stolen anything from all the time at BBC Breakfast?” before offering her co-star a mug. A celebratory cake was then brought out, to which Naga asked Carol: “Are you going to break the habit of a lifetime and actually share the cake?”
Carol responded: “No, Naga, absolutely not – why would I do that?” Naga hit back: “Exactly. Why change it? We’re only going to remember you one way.” It’s widely understood that the pair, who had worked together for years, were joking with one another as friends.
While those in the studio – including hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, as well as Nina Warhurst, Peter Ruddick and John Watson – seemed to find the remarks amusing, viewers at home didn’t have the same impression. In the BBC’s fortnightly report of complaints dealt with between June 1 and June 14, it has emerged that several viewers took issue with the broadcast.
The BBC publishes specific details about any programme that receives more than 100 complaints in a given reporting period. For issues that reach the Stage 2 Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) level, the BBC publishes summaries of investigations regardless of complaint volume, as well as formal responses to significant Stage 1 complaints.
The complaints in question were described as, “Offensive treatment of Carol Kirkwood.” However, as outlined in the BBC report, these were not upheld.
Even though viewers took issue with the BBC Breakfast exchange, a TV insider insisted that Naga and Carol “have been very close personal friends for many years, as well as being very good colleagues as part of the BBC Breakfast Team.”
A source told The Sun: “Everyone involved in Carol Kirkwood’s last programme for Breakfast on 1 April was there to pay tribute to Carol’s long service for the BBC, and they all did so fittingly.”
Carol announced her decision to step down earlier this year. At the time, she was visibly emotional while discussing her decision with Jon and Sally. She said: “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 guys, my weather colleagues, every department I work with, and, of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years. But it’s great. I don’t want to be coming in with my Zimmer frame when I can’t reach the northern Isles anymore.”
She added: “I’m going to be spending more time with Steve, my gorgeous husband, we have been married a couple of years ago but we are like ships passing in the night, so I’m so looking forward to doing that.
“I’ve still got my books, you know, I’ve got a few other bits and pieces. I want to travel. We want to travel as well.”
As her voice began to break as she sat alongside Jon and Sally, she added: “I didn’t want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly so I am sorry I did.”
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