BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty has seemingly never been one to follow the crowd and has since been hailed for going against the hosting grain
BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty has been praised by a body language expert for her unique approach to presenting, which completely flips the traditional “TV husband and wife” dynamic.
Judi James, an expert in body language, has shared her insights following reports of tension within the famous red sofa studio, offering her professional opinion on what might be happening behind the scenes. Recent reports suggest that Naga and her co-presenter Charlie Stayt are embroiled in a “toxic feud” with the show’s editor Richard Frediani. Since these allegations surfaced, their on-screen relationship has been under scrutiny, with many speculating if cracks will start to show.
However, after observing the two news anchors, Judi offered a different perspective on what might be happening off-camera. She stated: “Some of the most friendly and bonded-looking TV duos have actively disliked each other in real life. Most performers, comics and journalists tend to be loners by nature and sharing a screen can often be a challenge for the ego.”
She further commented: “Naga and Charlie have quite a natural-looking on-screen relationship in that it tends to show up moments of tension or disagreement rather than papering over the cracks with cuddly, forced smiles fake laughter,” reports Bristol Live.
Judi, a body language expert, noted that the usual male and female roles were not followed by the two hosts. She pointed out that Naga’s often “dry humour” could come as a “shock” to fans accustomed to the traditional “TV husband and wife” roles.
She suggested that viewers might have interpreted Naga and Charlie’s “non-verbal displays” as a warning sign of something else happening. However, Judi speculated that their unconventional dynamic might explain some of their seemingly awkward and silent moments on-air.
Judi remarked: “Their on-screen ‘chemistry’ can tend to look spiky at times and although they can have their playful moments, some of their non-verbal ‘banter’ can show signs of genuine irritation or frustration, with Naga often throwing eye-‘asides’ to either the camera and therefore the audience at home, or to others in the studio and off-camera.
“It’s often a form of dry humour, but to anyone preferring the kind of smiley, giggly, ‘My TV husband/wife’-style on-screen performances it can be a bit of a shock.”
She further emphasised: “One other aspect of these non-verbal displays is the one of status. For many years it was traditional for the male newsreader to be the dominant character on-screen, looking solemn, serious and, at times irascible or irritated. The female would often be expected to provide the smiles, empathy and the softness.”
Praising the Radio 5 Live presenter for her unique approach, Judi said: “Naga, though, thankfully, seems to have turned this outdated tradition on its head, presenting a more assertive display complete with moments of irritation or disapproval, while Charlie seems to appear to be softer and more likely to smile.”
BBC Breakfast airs every day on BBC One from 6am.
