BBC names Naga Munchetty’s new co-host in Radio 5 Live Breakfast shake-up

Entertainment
2 Nov 2026 • 8:58 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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BBC names Naga Munchetty’s new co-host in Radio 5 Live Breakfast shake-up

BBC Radio 5 Live has named Steffan Powell as the new voice joining Naga Munchetty on its flagship Breakfast programme, as the station prepares for a change to its morning schedule.

It comes after current Breakfast co-hosts Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards announced they were stepping down in July.

Welsh broadcaster Powell, a familiar face to listeners through his current Friday and Sunday Breakfast appearances, will step into the full-time role in January 2027.

He said in a statement: “I’m delighted, thrilled, excited, I really could go on, BBC Radio 5 Live holds a special place in my heart.

“It’s one of the reasons I trained to be a journalist, and to be trusted all these years later to look after its Breakfast show full-time is a privilege.

Welsh broadcaster Steffan Powell has been named as the new voice joining Naga Munchetty on its flagship Breakfast programme (Getty)

“I can’t wait to get started, and to sit alongside a genuine legend of British journalism every day is going to be a joy.

“Who better to be having a morning cup of tea with while tackling the big issues than Naga Munchetty?

“Together, Naga and I will put listeners first, cut through the noise and try to make sense of what’s going on in the world.

“There is so much happening at home, abroad, and on people’s social media feeds.

“We’ll focus on the stories that matter most and help listeners feel better informed about what it all means to them.

“There are some impressively large shoes to fill, but I’m excited about the challenge.”

Before joining 5 Live, Powell spent eight years as a presenter and senior reporter at BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat, and he has also worked on Welsh language TV channel S4C.

Richard Maddock, head of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Steffan has been a hugely valued part of the 5 Live team for many years now and has a fantastic relationship with our listeners.

“He is a brilliant broadcaster with sharp journalistic instincts, infectious enthusiasm and a genuine ability to connect with audiences across the whole of the UK.

“Whether he’s reporting on a major news story or a big sporting event, he brings warmth, intelligence and curiosity to everything he does.

“I’m delighted he’ll be joining Naga on Breakfast and helping lead our flagship programme into its next chapter.”

The pair’s programme will launch in mid-January 2027, after Burden and Edwards step down in December.

Burden will present a new mid-morning programme from 11am to 2pm from Monday to Wednesday, while Edwards will continue to present Fighting Talk on Saturdays and take part in the station’s sport and news coverage, including the Football Daily podcast.

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