BBC was forced to make behind-the-scenes apology to Geri Halliwell after toe-curling interview with Naga Munchetty
BBC Breakfast bosses apologised to Spice Girl Geri Horner over a toe-curling interview with show hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt.
The singer was left shocked by the sofa clash, in which Naga asked: 'Do you not like being interviewed?'
5
5
After her appearance, Geri, 52, allegedly said she did not want to appear on the show opposite the pair ever again.
A source said: 'Everyone noticed the interview was becoming quite awkward and then when Geri referenced Naga 's life directly things got really frosty.
"Geri isn't used to that kind of approach and felt ambushed, it unnerved her.
'A few people apologised afterwards for Naga being a cow to her and then Geri made it clear she didn't want to be interviewed by them again in future.'
Details of the October 2023 clash resurfaced as the flagship breakfast programme is facing claims of toxicity, with boss Richard Frediani under investigation for alleged bullying.
Geri was at the BBC to promote her latest novel and was outlining the 'rules' behind her drive.
She pointed at Naga and said: 'First rule, have courage, take the chance you fear the most, which you did.'
It came days after Naga, now 50, had appeared before MPs to say she was 'never taken seriously' by doctors over her uterus condition.
Then, pointing at both Charlie and Naga, Geri went on: 'Second rule, united we stand, we need each other.
'Third rule, never give up, be of service, be useful. Fourth rule, if you don't like these rules, make up your own.'
Watch Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt's most awkward moments on BBC Breakfast as tensions spiral
Naga interrupted, saying: 'Do you know what, you're very interesting as an interviewee, making sure you've done your research on us.'
Charlie, 63, added: 'You're pointing your fingers a lot, to be honest.'
The Spice Girl nervously laughed and said: 'Is that rude? I'm so sorry.'
Naga asked her, 'Do you not like being interviewed?' to which Geri replied, 'I like communication'.
Tensions appeared to begin when Naga first asked: 'Seven books — did you think you had that in you when you were a Spice Girl?'
Later, she asked: 'I read that one of your ambitions is to go to Oxford University to study English and history — do you think that you'd be able to study well?'
The BBC declined to comment.
The apologies emerged as Mr Frediani is on leave while an external consultant from PwC investigates conduct.
Last week, The Sun revealed Naga had been reprimanded over two incidents — including allegations she bullied a female staffer.
5
5
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
11 minutes ago
- The Sun
Pulp takes swipe at Charli XCX during surprise Glastonbury performance – as they return to headline after 30 years
PULP have finally made their triumphant to Glastonbury's Pyramid stage after 30 years - after being revealed as mystery band 'Patchwork'. The Britpop icons, fronted by Jarvis Cocker, had ramped up speculation for their set by not appearing on the line-up – instead choosing to go by a mystery name for a secret set. 5 However, it had long been speculated it was actually Pulp, with piece of their equipment appearing backstage seeming to give the game away. At 6.15pm, the Pyramid stage filled with nearly 100 people dressed in black and white ponchos as the band was finally revealed. Taking a swipe at Charli XCX, who is headlining the Other Stage later tonight, a screen behind the band flashed the words "Are you ready for.... Pulp Summer." The message was a direct reference to the 'Brat Summer' Charli celebrated last year thanks to her smash-hit album. When the message appeared, the crowd parted, revealing the band led by Cocker, who broke out into Sorted for E's and Whizz and Disco 2000 from their iconic album, Different Class. "We're Pulp. Sorry for the people that were expecting Patchwork," Cocker joked after the tracks. "Did you know we were going to play?" he asked, and when the crowd loudly declared "yes" he responded, "How? Psychic? Good." Throughout the set, Pulp joked that it had been '30 Years and Four Days' since they first took to the stage at Glastonbury 1995. At the time, the band were thrust on to the main stage at the last minute when The Stone Roses pulled out of their slot. The performance was just a month after they shot to the top of the charts with their seminal track Common People, cementing them as one of the biggest Britpop bands going. In 2011, the group appeared again, this time on the Park Stage as a surprise set, two years after they had reformed. Glastonbury opening ceremony branded a flop by disappointed revellers as fireworks display 'dogged by sound issues' The band originally split in 2002, with Jarvis saying shortly after that "noone was arsed" about their music anymore. They split again in 2013, before reforming in 2022. Their new album, More, was released on June 5th – just three weeks before the band appeared at Glastonbury and 24 years since their last full release. 5 5 5
Telegraph
11 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Emma Raducanu: Carlos Alcaraz and I are just ‘good friends'
Emma Raducanu insisted her and Carlos Alcaraz are 'just good friends' after the rumour mill began churning when they were announced as a pairing for the US Open's new mixed doubles competition. The two - who can expect to be given a portmanteau nickname of either 'Alcaranu' or 'Raducaraz' – are one of several eye-catching duos set to make their debuts in New York in August. When the pairing was announced during the Queen's Club event, they were asked about how it came about, with Alcaraz saying Raducanu took 'a while' to reply to him when he proposed the pair join forces for the $1 million (£728,756) event. When Raducanu was then spotted on the Queen's Club balcony watching Alcaraz's semi-final victory in west London, the rumours started to gain momentum. 'We're just good friends,' Raducanu said ahead of Wimbledon. Raducanu and Alcaraz, who is after a Wimbledon 'three-peat', had a similar breakout moment in their careers. The pair's history started in 2021 when she was catapulted to superstardom by winning the US Open. Then, Alcaraz was ranked 55th in the world – Raducanu was 150th – and for both of them, the tournament was a coming-of-age moment that would change the trajectory of their careers. Raducanu lifted the trophy months after doing her A levels, while Alcaraz announced himself on the world stage by knocking out then-third seed Tsitsipas on Arthur Ashe. It was during that tournament that the two teenagers encountered each other for the first time, and it is at the same venue that they will make their doubles debut in August this year. For now, despite a sponsor's event alongside Alcaraz, where Raducanu admitted 'we were just getting some volley practice ahead of New York', talk of doubles will have to wait until after the home slam, and everything that comes with it Raducanu's preparations for Wimbledon have been far from straightforward as she continues to deal with a back issue that has affected her since Strasbourg in May. There was also a personal matter that left her emotional and fighting back tears after her opening round win in Eastbourne. To manage the ongoing back issue Raducanu has been forced to seek multiple types of treatment including dry needling, muscle stimulation and taping. 'Truthfully I don't expect much from myself this year,' Raducanu said when asked about her Wimbledon preparation. 'I know I've just been dealing with certain things. I just want to go out there and embrace the moment, I want to embrace the occasion. 'I know there's not many opportunities to be playing at Wimbledon. You get it once a year and for a finite amount of time. I'm just looking forward to going out there and feeling the surroundings and the atmosphere.' The back has been a particular problem for Raducanu during the grass court season, and caused her to pull out of the Berlin Open. But after saying following her second-round Eastbourne defeat to teenager Maya Joint: 'I will stop on the court regardless' when asked about the potential impact of the injury, it is clearly not completely solved ahead of the tournament. 'It's just been managing, as I've said the last few weeks,' she said. 'I wouldn't say it's 100%, but a lot of the time with tennis players, nothing is ever 100 per cent. So just taking it as it comes.' The first hurdle for Raducanu at the All England Tennis Club will be British teenager Mimi Xu, with the pair due to face each other on court one on Monday. Earlier this season Xu was sitting A Level exams around her tournament commitments in Birmingham and Nottingham. 'I think it's a very dangerous match, very difficult. I think Mimi is a really, really good player. I practiced with her a few times. A lot of weapons. Also moves really well. It's going to be a really different match.' The pair have spent enough time together that Raducanu converses with Xu's mother in Mandarin, given the opportunity to exercise her language skills - and the teenager was a part of the Billie Jean King Cup squad as a practice partner. 'For her it's one where there's nothing to lose. I remember when I had my first Wimbledon here and I was 18. It's a great feeling. You just feel, like, completely fearless,' Raducanu said. 'So I think for me it's going to be a challenge, but one that I'm looking forward to and I'm ready for.' When Raducanu reclaimed the title as British No 1 ahead of the home grand slam, it was at the expense of Katie Boulter, who held the title for the previous two years. But for Boulter, not having the weight of seeding, title and the expectations that come with, she believes can help her when she takes on ninth seed Paula Badosa on centre court on Monday. 'I feel like it's a totally different situation for me coming in this year,' Boulter said. 'I'm not seeded. I'm kind of like a dark horse and I like that feeling. 'I do like the fact that I can go out and swing free and I've got nothing to lose. I'm really looking forward to that match.'
Daily Mail
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Glastonbury thrown into chaos as huge rock band pull out with just hours to go as their replacement is revealed by bosses
A huge rock band has been forced to pull out of Glastonbury today in a major last minute schedule shakeup - and their replacement has been revealed. Festival-goers and fans watching from home have been left devastated as the iconic noughties group confirmed the news in a statement. The Deftones were due to perform their set on the Other Stage tonight from 8:30pm to thousands of ravers. However, due to illness the scheduled appearance won't be going ahead. Taking to social media, a spokesperson for the band told devastated fans: 'In an unfortunate development, an illness in the band is going to prevent us from playing Glastonbury tonight. 'We're devastated to be missing out on something we've been looking forward to for months, but sometimes circumstances out of our control interfere with things we want to do the most. 'We really hope to return to Glastonbury soon, and as it stands, we plan on seeing you tomorrow at Crystal Palace.' Glastonbury bosses have quickly altered the schedule to ensure continuity continues and the Deftones' slot has been replaced. British rapper Skepta, whose real name is Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr, will take to the stage instead, playing his biggest hits. Confirming the shakeup to the schedule, a spokesperson for Glastonbury said: 'Deftones have been forced to cancel tonight's 8.30pm Other Stage performance due to illness in the band. 'Skepta will kindly step-in, taking the stage at 9pm.' While Skepta excitedly told fans: 'Let's go!!! No crew, no production but am ready to shut Glastonbury down. Victory lap time. Pre-Big Smoke 2025!' The schedule changes will see jazz band Ezra Collective's set will now run from 7pm until 8:15pm. Meanwhile, the West Holts stage, which has a capacity for 30,000 people, was shut 47 minutes before Kneecap were due to perform to avoid severe overcrowding in the area. The rap trio took to the stage at 4pm on Saturday, just over a week after one of their members appeared in court on terror charges. To finish their set, the group led chants of 'Free, Free Palestine' and 'f*** Keir Starmer' as the crowd was filled with flags supporting Gaza. Mo Chara, wearing a keffiyeh, said 'Glastonbury, I'm a free man' as the Irish rap trio took to the West Holts Stage. The group thanked the Eavis family for their support and attacked the British justice system for his arrest. The group has defended their previous provocative performances as 'satirical' ahead of performing at Glastonbury, as the BBC said it would not be livestreaming their set. Instead, thousands tuned into a stream of the show on TikTok by a middle-aged woman called Helen.
