Naga Munchetty, a familiar face to millions of early risers across the United Kingdom, has spent over a decade anchoring the nation’s mornings as a presenter on BBC Breakfast. Since 2010, viewers have watched her deliver headlines, banter with co-hosts, and, on occasion, step into the limelight beyond the news desk—most notably when she competed in ITV’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2016. But behind the camera, Munchetty’s life is a study in contrasts: while her professional world is high-octane and public, her personal life is defined by a quieter, more deliberate pursuit of peace and self-discovery.
In a candid interview with The Times in April 2025, Munchetty offered a rare glimpse into her home life and the ongoing quest to balance career demands with personal well-being. Now 50, she’s reached a milestone that has her reflecting on the journey so far—one marked by both the pressures of public scrutiny and the solace found in her Hertfordshire retreat, which she shares with her husband, James Haggar.
Munchetty and Haggar moved to Hertfordshire in 2010, seeking a sanctuary from the relentless pace of city living. "We moved to Hertfordshire in 2010 because my husband and I were drawn to the location. I'd always lived in Victorian and Edwardian houses; our current home is much more modern. The area is quiet and private, with two pubs within staggering distance," she told The Times. The couple’s home, nestled amidst tranquil surroundings and within walking distance of two local pubs, has become the backdrop for their shared life—a modern space that stands in stark contrast to the traditional homes of Munchetty’s past.
But even in this peaceful haven, harmony hasn’t always come easy—especially when it comes to interior design. Munchetty’s flair for bold choices recently put her at odds with Haggar, particularly over a dramatic bedroom redesign. Describing their home’s style as "neutral with accents of colour and pattern," she recounted the story of how a BBC Breakfast segment sparked her fascination with a particular wallpaper. "The BBC Breakfast presenter Ben Thompson was doing an outside broadcast from a wallpaper factory and a Graham & Brown design with skulls caught my eye. I’ve always liked skulls. I think they’re beautiful, so I said to Ben, 'Can you get me the name of that wallpaper?' My husband was cautious at first but he trusts my taste in decor and now he loves it too," Munchetty explained.
The skull-patterned wallpaper—striking, unconventional, and a little "lifeless," as Munchetty joked—became a point of contention, but also a testament to the couple’s ability to navigate differences. Haggar’s initial wariness eventually gave way to appreciation, a small but telling example of how trust and compromise can turn friction into fondness. The bold feature wall now stands as a symbol of Munchetty’s unapologetic individuality and the couple’s shared journey through the ups and downs of domestic life.
Beyond the walls of their home, Munchetty finds balance in the great outdoors. She’s an avid runner, often taking to the scenic trails of the nearby Chilterns, and has become a passionate member of her local golf club—a sport she only embraced in midlife. "I can also go out running in the Chilterns, and I’m a keen member of our local golf club. Golf is the great leveller — I’ve made friends from so many walks of life," she shared. For Munchetty, golf is more than just a pastime; it’s a form of self-care and a way to connect with a diverse community. On the HELLO! podcast Second Act, she described the sport as "selfish"—not in a negative sense, but as an activity that is "all about you and it's all down to you."
This embrace of self-directed pursuits is part of a broader evolution in Munchetty’s approach to life. As she transitioned from her 40s into her 50s, she became increasingly attuned to the importance of self-kindness and work-life balance. "I was so excited to turn 50, I've lived half a century! I'm healthy and enjoying my life. I do nice things. I really enjoyed my 40s, I felt much more settled in myself, in my skin, with my brain," Munchetty reflected in her The Times interview. The milestone birthday brought with it a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, as well as a newfound permission to prioritize her own needs without guilt. "In my forties, I came to terms with being kinder to myself. I was able to go on holiday and not fear that somebody was standing in for me at work and doing it better. I became a little bit more calm."
Her reflections reveal a woman who, despite the demands of a high-profile career, has learned to carve out space for herself—whether through home design, outdoor pursuits, or simply the act of slowing down. The lessons of her 40s have carried over into her 50s, informing a philosophy that values self-compassion as much as professional achievement.
Of course, Munchetty’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The tension between her public persona and private self is a recurring theme, as is the ongoing negotiation between personal taste and marital compromise (that skull wallpaper, after all, was no small gamble). Yet, it’s precisely these moments of discord and resolution that have helped her cultivate a life that feels authentic and balanced.
Munchetty’s story resonates with many who find themselves juggling the competing demands of work, relationships, and personal fulfillment. Her willingness to share the less-than-perfect aspects of her home life—the disagreements, the adjustments, the gradual acceptance—offers a refreshing counterpoint to the polished images often presented by public figures. As she continues to anchor BBC Breakfast and explore new avenues both professionally and personally, Munchetty remains committed to a simple but powerful ideal: creating a life in which both ambition and contentment have room to flourish.
In the end, Munchetty’s journey is a reminder that the search for balance is ongoing—and that sometimes, the boldest choices (whether in wallpaper or in life) are the ones that bring us closest to feeling truly at home.
