Sally Nugent’s recent transformation on BBC Breakfast has reportedly caused a stir among the show’s prominent figures, as the program is embroiled in a controversy over alleged bullying.

Back in August, Naga Munchetty came under scrutiny following accusations from colleagues about her ‘harsh’ and ‘intimidating’ demeanor. By November, these concerns had escalated into a formal investigation.

Amid this turmoil, some viewers have praised Sally’s stylish makeover, but it has allegedly prompted Naga to make a caustic remark, further fueling tensions within the show.

As reported by The Sun, Naga allegedly complained: ‘We’re supposed to be serious journalists, not trying to resemble hosts on This Morning.’

Sally had previously showcased her new hairstyle on Instagram, giving a nod to hair colorist Calum Tierney, known for styling celebrities like Michelle Keegan and Samia Longchambon.

Insiders suggest that despite Sally’s efforts to steer clear of any feuds on BBC Breakfast, Naga’s remarks seemed ‘particularly directed’ at her.

Sally Nugent’s glamorous new look on BBC Breakfast has reportedly sparked fury from one of its biggest stars, as the under-fire show remains at the centre of a bullying probe

Naga Munchetty was placed under review in August after it was claimed several colleagues had logged concerns over her ‘hard’ and ‘bullying’ behaviour

An insider said: ‘Things have been ticking along fairly quietly for the last couple of months whilst the bullying investigations continued but this was a nasty little moment.’

‘Sally tries to keep out of the rivalries but this latest comment feels particularly targeted. What’s wrong with having a few highlights and trying out new styles?

‘Sally is loving the new look – it doesn’t detract in any way from her work or how good a journalist she is.’

A representative for the BBC told Daily Mail: ‘We do not comment on individual staff issues.’ Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Sally Nugent and Naga Munchetty for comment.

Sally hosts BBC Breakfast alongside Jon Sen from Mondays to Wednesdays, with Naga fronting the show with Charlie Stayt from Thursdays to Saturdays.

She joined the show in 2021 following Louise Minchin’s departure, while Naga has been a part of the show since 2014.

Sally split from her husband, businessman Gavin Hawthorn, in May 2023 after 13 years together. They share a son together.

Naga’s future at BBC Breakfast remains in doubt after a formal investigation was launched into her behaviour in November.

It’s now being claimed that Naga has made a brutal dig at Sally’s new look, saying: ‘We’re meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we’re presenting This Morning’

Sally previously shared snaps of her flowing new hairstyle on Instagram, tagging hair colourist Calum Tierney, who has worked on stars including Michelle Keegan and Samia Longchambon

The broadcaster, who is paid between £355,000 and £359,999 a year, is said to be allowed to stay on at the channel, but that she will only work with certain producers while the probe takes place.

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Naga has not been taken off air but now has certain members of production monitoring her and her interactions.

‘She’s only allowed to speak to specific people too. It’s far from ideal as a way of working and everyone hopes it comes to a head someway or another soon.’

Naga faces an uncertain future on the broadcaster, with reports Deborah Turness’ resignation could leave her ‘vulnerable’.

CEO of BBC News, Deborah quit earlier last week over the botched editing of one of the President’s speeches by Panorama.

An insider told the publication last week: ‘The Naga situation has been an albatross around Breakfast’s neck since June when the endemic bullying at Media City was first exposed by The Sun.

‘Whilst others have been cleared, the review on Naga has done the opposite – with further complaints against her.

‘They had no choice but to take things from the slightly softer ‘under review’ to formal investigation. Of course, her detractors are gossiping that the timing with Deborah’s departure isn’t exactly a coincidence.’

The BBC has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations, saying: ‘We do not comment on individual HR matters.’

Naga’s own conduct was thrown into doubt when BBC Breakfast’s editor Richard Frediani reportedly took an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show.

Naga was reportedly spoken to by executives after a junior staffer accused the journalist of bullying them.

She was also reportedly hauled into a meeting after she was accused of making a sex jibe during an ad break while hosting her radio show.

The presenter is believed to have used a crude slang term for a sex act and reportedly asked a colleague if they had ever done it.

Naga’s co-host Charlie Stayt also remains ‘under review’, according to the publication.

Naga is no longer represented by agents M&C Saatchi, who also dropped BBC One Show host Jermaine Jenas after his sexting scandal.

Naga’s future at BBC Breakfast remains in doubt after a formal investigation was launched into her behaviour in November

Her new agents have reportedly ‘held talks with rival station LBC’ to explore other opportunities.

The journalist is paid almost double of her co-host Charlie, 63, remained in the £190,000 bracket as tensions between the pair are said to be ‘rife’.

Naga hosts BBC Breakfast on Thursdays to Saturdays with Charlie, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent anchor the programme from the start of the week.

It has been a rocky time for the BBC after director general Tim Davie and Deborah Turness, chief executive of BBC News, sensationally stepped down amid an impartiality row after an internal report accused it of institutional bias and censorship.

MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace, 61, was sacked following a series of misconduct allegations relating to his time on the series.

Then in September, Irish chef Anna Haugh, 44, was announced to takeover from John Torode, who lost his job after two decades over allegations he used ‘racist language in 2018’, something he claims he has ‘no recollection’ of.