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LBC bosses were reportedly put off hiring Naga Munchetty after her 'car crash' interview with Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch.

The broadcaster was being courted by the radio channel last year while she was the subject of a probe by BBC Breakfast bosses over claims of workplace bullying.

Now it's emerged that the investigation into Naga's behaviour was 'quietly dropped', with the star announcing this week she would be leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years to host the flagship morning show on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Sources claim Naga landed the job after LBC bosses lost interest in her after her interview with Kemi in April 2025.

The interview was branded 'appalling and disgraceful' by viewers, and BBC were forced to issue a response to complaints they received that the interview was overly aggressive.

The Daily Mail also revealed on Wednesday that Naga was 'made to look like a monster' on BBC Breakfast, and her departure means a win for its 'boys club' culture. You can read Katie Hind's full story here.

LBC bosses were reportedly put off hiring Naga Munchetty after her 'car crash' interview with Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch

A source told The Sun: 'It's been a torrid year for Naga so when the job came up on 5Live it was an easy, personal decision to make the move.

'Even away from the probe, she faces endless scrutiny from viewers over every comment or gesture and that made the 5Live role all the more attractive.'

The insider also suggested that Naga missed out on jobs she'd been courting at LBC and Sky, after her interview with Kemi sparked backlash from viewers.

In contrast, it's thought bosses are thrilled with Sally Nugent's work on the show, saying: 'Bosses were thrilled with Sally Nugent's recent interview with Nigel Farage and called down to say they wanted Sally covering more chats of that ilk.

'That used to be Naga's domain.'

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for BBC Breakfast, LBC and Naga Munchetty for comment.

BBC issued a response to complaints from viewers after Naga's interview with Kemi was broadcast last year.

They said: 'As Leader of the Opposition it was fair and legitimate to ask Ms Badenoch why she wouldn’t want to watch something that so many people are talking about. She was given the opportunity to explain in detail her position on this.

'There was one point in the interview when Naga referred to Adolescence as a documentary; Naga acknowledges this was incorrect and her mistake.

'Throughout the interview Ms Badenoch was given ample opportunity to explain her position on all the issues she was asked about and we believe it was conducted in a fair and balanced way.

'We have a responsibility to interview politicians from all parties without fear or favour, and ask them to address matters of significance to our audience, which was the case in this instance.'

The interview was branded 'appalling and disgraceful' by viewers, and BBC were forced to issue a response to complaints they received that it was overly aggressive

Naga was courted by LBC bosses, while it was reported she was the subject of a probe by BBC Breakfast around claims of workplace bullying, but the investigation has been quietly dropped

On Tuesday it was announced that Naga would be stepping down from BBC Breakfast after 17 years to take over as the new host of Radio 5 Live's morning show.

An insider said the move is no doubt 'two fingers' to the TV bosses who had spent more than a year investigating allegations of bullying and misconduct against her.

Munchetty was reportedly placed under review last summer amid complaints about alleged bullying and off-colour jokes over a three-year period – but always remained defiant and on air.

She was alleged to have been unkind when fellow presenter Sally Nugent unveiled a glam new look and was also said to have remarked that weather presenter Carol Kirkwood had 'aged a bit'.

There was also said to be a frosty relationship with co-host Charlie Stayt, despite them being all smiles on screen.

The claims emerged after BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani took an extended period of leave following separate allegations of bullying and misconduct. At the time, Munchetty was reported to be among those who raised concerns. Frediani has since been cleared of wrongdoing and returned to work.

Some BBC insiders see her appointment to the 5 Live Breakfast role as a sign she retains the corporation's backing. Just weeks ago it was revealed she had received another pay rise, meaning her annual salary is now between £360,000 and £364,999 per year.

A BBC 5 Live insider told the Daily Mail: 'It's brilliant for Naga and she's giving Frediani two fingers.

'It's a big promotion for her and a massive coup for us.'

Naga was reportedly questioned by bosses over an alleged sex joke, claims she was unkind to co-presenters and allegations she upset Geri Halliwell-Horner.

There were complaints that she made sexual comments during an ad break and was even alleged to have asked a female colleague whether she had ever carried out a certain sex act.

She was accused of telling off an intern over the quality of her Marmite on toast.

When Sally Nugent unveiled a new look, Munchetty allegedly said: 'We're meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we're presenting This Morning.'

There were also allegations that she described Carol Kirkwood as 'really stern' and said she had 'aged a bit'.

Before Kirkwood retired from BBC Breakfast, viewers complained when Munchetty said on air: 'I'm just waiting for the countdown for you to go.'

Another on-air row came when Geri Halliwell-Horner appeared as a guest and later vowed never to return.

Munchetty asked her: 'Do you not like being interviewed?' reportedly prompting an apology from BBC bosses.

Naga will front the show alongside a co-host, who is yet to be recruited, from Monday to Friday, broadcasting live from Salford for three days a week and London for the remaining two.

On the move to 5 Live, Munchetty said: 'I'm thrilled to be joining 5 Live Breakfast in January. Live news, great conversations and connecting with audiences are what I love most about broadcasting, and 5 Live does all of that brilliantly.

'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.

'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.'

Controller Heidi Dawson described Munchetty as 'one of the UK's most accomplished broadcasters and a hugely valued member of the 5 Live family'.