**BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty Opens Up About the Realities of Fame**
Naga Munchetty, known across the United Kingdom for her role as a presenter on BBC Breakfast, has spoken candidly about the challenging aspects of life in the public eye, revealing that she finds fame “horrible”. Although Munchetty enjoys her work as a broadcaster, she admits that being a celebrity comes with considerable drawbacks — particularly in the form of relentless online criticism.
In a recent appearance on the *Walking the Dog with Emily Dean* podcast, the seasoned journalist, who is now 50, did not hold back about the downsides of notoriety. “It’s horrible being famous,” she declared, speaking honestly about the pressures constantly levelled at her over her appearance, way of speaking, and professional conduct. Munchetty explained, “I’ve got a high profile. But the scrutiny I get anyway; my voice or what I’m wearing, what my hair looks like, my makeup, and if I phrased something a certain way. And that’s a journalist doing their job.”
Munchetty’s commentary taps into a broader conversation about how public figures—particularly women—can become frequent targets of both online and media judgement. She referenced the widespread phenomenon of celebrities coming under fire for their bodies, clothes, and whether they have had cosmetic procedures. “All these film stars who are constantly criticised for their weight and their appearance,” Munchetty observed. “And, now what work have they had done? Should they have had the work done? Should they go and get the work done? And it’s just, leave them alone! Who wants that?”
Despite the ongoing negativity, the BBC Breakfast presenter is determined not to let the trolls get the better of her confidence. Notably, Munchetty has consistently advocated for self-acceptance and resilience. Reflecting on a recent question she was asked about her own appearance, she remarked, “I am smart. I’m sick of women bashing themselves. I was asked the other day, ‘Which part of your body would you change?’ And I just went, ‘Nothing.’ This is the body I’ve got. And I work really hard to be fit. And I work hard to be able to wear clothes that I like for me.”
Munchetty further highlighted the importance of taking care of herself for the long term rather than striving for perfection to placate critics. “I work hard because I want to be able to get up out of a chair in 30 years’ time,” she said, offering a more practical and self-affirming view of personal fitness and health.
Having partnered with her co-presenter Charlie Stayt on BBC Breakfast since 2014, Munchetty has experienced years of public scrutiny. Yet, she suggests she is moving beyond self-criticism. “There are so many people who are ready to bash me every day, every hour when I do my job. Why on Earth would I bash myself? I’m done with being hypercritical.”
Her remarks also shed light on the double standards still prevalent in broadcast media. Munchetty has previously commented on the societal expectation for women in her profession to look a certain way. “You get a lot of nice comments, but women are expected to portray a certain aesthetic.” She explained the additional challenge women in news face, saying, “And when you dress for news you have to be mindful that what you wear cannot be distracting. Women are more highly criticised and noticed.”
Munchetty’s openness reveals how public scrutiny is felt behind the scenes, reminding the public that for all the glamour of television, fame is often an uncomfortable side-effect, especially for women in high-profile roles. Her comments contribute to vital conversations about the expectations placed on women in the media, body image, and the mental resilience required to withstand the constant glare of the public spotlight.
As her audience tunes in to BBC Breakfast, Munchetty continues to navigate the paradox of public appreciation and private challenges, encouraging others to value authenticity and reject unnecessary self-doubt in the pursuit of professional success.