The truth behind Naga Munchetty’s shock BBC Breakfast exit may be far more complicated than it first appeared. While the presenter described her move as an exciting new chapter, fresh claims suggest her departure comes after months of behind-the-scenes turmoil, with insiders alleging the programme had become “not a happy ship.” Now, as Naga prepares to leave after 17 years, reports of unrest inside one of the BBC’s biggest shows are fueling fresh questions about what was really happening off camera. A surprise exit. New claims of backstage tension. And a very different story may be emerging.

On Tuesday, Naga Munchetty announced her departure from BBC Breakfast after 17 years on the programme. The presenter, who is preparing to leave in January, has lined up a radio gig as the co-presenter of 5 Live Breakfast. Set to replace Rachel Burden, who will be moving to the mid-morning programme, Naga called the news “exciting,” while suggesting that it was simply time for a change.

“It is exciting news, it is exciting news. A change is… they say a change is as good as a rest, don’t they?” the TV star told Rachel and her co-host, Rick Edwards. Following the announcement, however, sources have alleged that it was not a “happy ship” at Breakfast.

Speaking with The Mirror, one said: “The new job for Naga seems the best result for everyone. It was not a happy ship on Breakfast. However you look at it, hosting BBC Breakfast is a much bigger job than working on Five Live.” Meanwhile, a second source mused: “After all the turmoil, it’s clear a reset is needed.”

Alongside her 5 Live appearance, Naga has also spoken about her departure from Breakfast in a statement. “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,” the journalist began. “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.”