BBC reacts to Naga Munchetty complaints over her 'sly' digs to Carol Kirkwood on BBC Breakfast

The BBC has responded to complaints over Naga Munchetty’s “offensive” behaviour towards her former BBC Breakfast colleague Carol Kirkwood.

The 51-year-old presenter faced backlash recently for making seemingly “rude” comments towards Carol Kirkwoodc, 63, during the weather presenter’s last day.

Munchetty made a series of playful remarks that viewers claimed were intended to “embarrass” Kirkwood, with some even speculating that the pair “really don’t get on” behind-the-scenes.

Now, the BBC has revealed viewers made official complaints to the broadcaster over the episode, citing “offensive treatment of Carol Kirkwood”.

The BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) ruled in their fortnightly complaints report that the complaints were not upheld.

There has to be more than 100 complaints made in order for the amount to be published on the BBC website.

Munchetty - who was placed under review last year following complaints of bullying - was one of the only presenters not to make a pre-recorded solo tribute to Kirkwood on her final day at BBC Breakfast in April following 28 years as a weather presenter.

Several colleagues joined Kirkwood on the sofa to bid farewell including Dan Walker, Mike Bushell, Matt Taylor, who will replace Kirkwood as weather presenter, and Munchetty.

Kirkwood appeared surprised that Munchetty was in the studio, saying: “Thank you all for coming - and even you, Nags!”

Munchetty said with a deadpan expression, “I’m just waiting for the countdown for you to go!” before laughing.

She then presented Kirkwood with a framed illustration by Mr Men artist Adam Hargreaves, portraying her as Little Miss Sunshine in a nod to her career as a weather correspondent.

Kirkwood said: “I will treasure this! It's going to have pride of place...” as Munchetty interrupted to ask: “In the toilet?”

After a special weather-themed cake was brought over to Kirkwood, she quipped: “Are you going to break the habit of a lifetime and actually share the cake?”

Kirkwood replied, “No, Naga, absolutely not - why would I do that?” and Munchetty responded: “Exactly. Why change it? We're only going to remember you one way.”

The exchanges left viewers wondering if the pair harboured tensions backstage.

Sources later said Munchetty’s “awkward” and “sly jabs” had the worst timing considering the scandals the BBC has been mired ins recently, with Scott Mills’ sacking being the latest.

Insiders insisted she had made the comments because she “just can’t help herself” and claimed her behaviour has “significantly backfired”.

However, a TV insider told The Sun: “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.

“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.”

Munchetty presents BBC Breakfast alongside Charlie Stayt every Thursday to Saturday, having joined the show in 2014.

Last year, she was accused of being “hard” and “bullying” her coworkers and came under fire for two alleged incidents over a three-year period. She was accused of bullying a female colleague and making a “wildly unprofessional” off-air sex joke that left a co-worker “humiliated”.

The broadcaster will reportedly be allowed to remain at the BBC’s flagship morning show under strict conditions while an official investigation takes place.