What was intended as a light-hearted farewell between friends has ended up generating more than 100 complaints to the BBC. BBC Breakfast viewers formally complained after presenter Naga Munchetty appeared to make a cheeky remark to departing weather star Carol Kirkwood during her final appearance on the programme.
Carol, 63, signed off from BBC Breakfast earlier this year after nearly three decades with the broadcaster, becoming emotional as colleagues and viewers paid tribute to her long career. The veteran weather presenter was joined in the studio by hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, as well as colleagues including Naga, Nina Warhurst, Peter Ruddick and John Watson.
However, one comment from Naga appears to have rubbed some viewers the wrong way. During the farewell segment, Naga quipped: 'I am just waiting for the countdown for you to go.' While those in the studio appeared to take the remark as playful banter, some viewers interpreted it very differently.
According to newly published BBC complaints figures, enough people complained about the exchange for it to be included in the corporation's official complaints report, a threshold that requires more than 100 complaints to be received. Several viewers accused Naga of treating Carol disrespectfully during her final appearance, with some claiming the comment felt inappropriate given the emotional nature of the occasion.
The complaints came amid wider speculation online that the pair may have had an off-screen rivalry. Some viewers noted that Naga did not appear in a pre-recorded tribute package celebrating Carol's career, prompting theories of tension between the two women. However, those rumours were quickly dismissed. A television insider previously 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 was there to pay tribute to Carol's long service for the BBC, and they all did so fittingly.'
The BBC's Executive Complaints Unit later reviewed the complaints and ruled that they would not be upheld. Carol announced in January that she would be stepping away from BBC Breakfast after almost 30 years delivering the weather to viewers across the UK. Her final appearance saw her become visibly emotional as she thanked audiences for their support over the years. 'Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives,' she said through tears.
The complaints arrive during a turbulent period for BBC Breakfast, with Naga herself remaining the subject of an internal HR investigation. Reports earlier this year claimed a formal probe had been launched into allegations of bullying, including accusations relating to interactions with colleagues and production staff. Naga has remained on air while the investigation continues. For the BBC, though, the latest complaints appear to be a case of viewers taking a joke more seriously than those involved intended.
