Naga Munchetty replaces Emma Barnett at BBC Radio 5 Live

Naga Munchetty is taking over from Emma Barnett in the new year as host of the mid-morning programme on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The well-known television presenter will be on-air Monday to Wednesday from 10am till 1pm after guest-presenting on the station over the summer.

Naga has been a regular face on BBC Breakfast since 2009 and will continue on the programme alongside her work for 5 Live.

Naga said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the 5 Live team. I have always wanted to work more in radio and after such an enjoyable experience presenting on the station recently, I jumped at this opportunity.

“5 Live has one of the most passionate, engaged audiences in radio. The prospect of talking to those listeners every week really excites me. I can’t wait to get stuck into the role from January.”

Naga began her career at the Evening Standard and has worked for Reuters, CNBC Europe and Channel 4 News. She joined the BBC in 2008 presenting business news programme Working Lunch. She became one of BBC Breakfast’s lead presenters in 2014.

Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Naga is a brilliant broadcaster and a fearless journalist, making her the perfect fit for our mid-morning programme.

“She impressed us while working briefly at the station in the summer, when our listeners loved her warmth, wit and straight-talking interview style. I’m sure she will make the mid-morning programme a must listen. I can’t wait to hear her interviewing the biggest names in news and telling stories from around the UK that you won’t hear anywhere else.”

Emma Barnett is moving to BBC Radio 4 to be the main host of Woman’s Hour from January 2021, replacing Jane Garvey.