Naga Munchetty has been the main presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2014 (Image: BBC)
Naga Munchetty has graced BBC Breakfast as a regular presenter since 2014, after initially stepping into the role as a fill-in host five years prior. The 51-year-old anchors the popular show alongside Charlie Stayt from Thursday to Saturday. While audiences are acquainted with Naga on screen, her husband, James Haggar, tends to enjoy a less public presence, focusing on his work behind the cameras.
James Haggar boasts a distinguished career in broadcasting, having directed Sky News’ panel show The Pledge between 2015 and 2021. His impressive resume includes over ten years as a senior director at CNBC International, as well as significant stints directing Five News and OK TV. Additionally, he has held the roles of Senior Studio Director at ITV and Creative Director at GB News. Although the exact timing of Naga and James’s first meeting remains a mystery, the couple has shared a happy marriage since 2007.
Their relationship seemed destined for success from the start, with their first date taking place in a pool hall—a fitting choice for the snooker enthusiasts. Their mutual passion for the game is evident, even extending to their Hertfordshire home, which features its very own snooker table.
The couple exchanged vows in 2007, though details of the ceremony have largely stayed under wraps. However, Munchetty has revealed some valuable marriage advice she once received, offering a glimpse into the wisdom that supports their enduring partnership.
“When James and I got married almost 12 years ago, one of his aunts said to us: the best bit of advice I can give you is to simply be kind to one another. She was right,” Naga told The Guardian in 2016.
She went on to explain how their shared passion for golf strengthens their relationship.
Naga has been married to James Haggar since 2007 (Image: Getty)
“James and I are both golfers, and I think it’s great for our relationship,” Naga said.
“It gives us a few hours together when we’re walking and talking and catching up; it really makes a difference. Golf takes you on a journey together, and it means you stay in touch with one another.”
During a photoshoot in her home in 2016, a framed photo from their wedding day was on display.
The image shows the BBC Radio 5 Live host posing alongside her mother in an ivory corseted dress, complete with distinctive choker-style detailing around the neckline.
Not everything ran smoothly on their big day, as Naga revealed the mishap she suffered with her “puffy” wedding dress.
“I don’t know if I styled it out, but I did fall over in a big, puffy wedding dress during my first dance to You’re Just Too Good To Be True,” she admitted on her 5 Live show.
“We even figured out a dance routine and everything. It didn’t go to plan but the wedding day was a success apart from that.”
While speaking to her former BBC Breakfast co-star Louise Minchin and BBC Triathlon presenter Annie Emmerso on the Her Spirit podcast, Naga admitted she and James rarely argue.
“James and I don’t row, and he’s a lovely, lovely man, he’s definitely the better half,” she said. However, she did detail the time he had a “meltdown” when she roped him into marathon training in tough weather conditions back in 2013.
Thankfully, they managed to put their differences aside and completed the marathon together.
The couple were content enough with their lives and busy schedules that they decided against starting a family.
Addressing their personal choice not to have children, Naga told The Times: “We never tried, and I never miscarried; we just never really wanted them. We kept putting the decision off, and then life got better for us, we became more selfish… and just didn’t find the time.”
The BBC host faced backlash for the decision, revealing that people branded her “wicked” for denying her mother grandchildren.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live in 2020, she said: “I remember when I told someone that I had decided I didn’t want children, someone told me I was wicked. Wicked against my mother for denying her grandchildren. It’s quite interesting, isn’t it, how people react?”
The TV host added: “I’m past the age now where people expect me to have children. But people can be quite forthright: ‘Oh, you can’t have them?’ I think people find it unusual that both in the relationship have agreed or decided or come to the conclusion that they don’t want children.”