None of BBC Breakfast’s loyal viewers could deny that Sally Nugent’s glamorous new look was a fitting ‘glow-up’ for the popular television host.

Gone was the sensible brunette bob and barely there make-up. In its place was a flowing blow-dry, complete with discreet highlights, and an elegant wardrobe makeover to match.

It was enough for the star – known for infuriating Alex Ferguson with her Manchester United scoops during her time as a sports journalist – to grab the headlines.

But it was a comment said to have been made to Sally by co-star Naga Munchetty that made her new look a national talking point.

According to reports, presenter Naga, 51, in response to seeing Sally’s makeover, had snipped: ‘We’re meant to be serious journalists – not trying to look like we’re presenting This Morning.’

Briefed to a newspaper, the comment was clearly released in a bid to make Naga appear catty – perhaps even unkind – and to hint at a rift between the stars.

But nothing could be further from the truth, as a source from the show has confided. 

Not only have I been told there is no frostiness between Naga and Sally, 54, but it has been claimed the comment was briefed to a journalist as part of a long-running bid to discredit Naga by a ‘gang’ on the Breakfast team who are loyal to the show’s controversial editor, Richard Frediani.

Even Sally’s new look is, they say, just the ‘latest stick’ to beat Naga with. The source said: ‘Sally and Naga are colleagues and friends but both are professionals – they are hard as nails and supportive of one another. 

'They are both women working on a show run by a man. They stick together.’

Stressing that Sally is a ‘tough cookie’, my insider said the pair are close and haven’t had any fallouts. 

‘Naga’s in the firing line and every little thing is being used against her,’ the source added. ‘It’s not a fair representation of the reality. Breakfast has been run for a very long time by a man who isn’t exactly known for his diplomacy.’

Frediani, who took on the job in 2019, has been the subject of at least two misconduct complaints about his behaviour. 

It’s been claimed he shouted at staff, took his anger out on office furnishings and made no secret of the fact he had favourites among the team.

Meanwhile, Naga and her co-star Charlie Stayt have found themselves the subject of an internal review over separate complaints made about their behaviour and, in Naga’s case, alleged bullying – claims which have been denied.

But it is Naga, not Charlie or Frediani, who has faced the most public scrutiny over the allegations.

One veteran staff member points out that Breakfast has a tradition of strong, female presenters at the helm. 

Sian Williams and Louise Minchin, two of the programme’s longest-serving hosts, also took ‘no s***’, according to former colleagues. But neither got the same flak that Naga seems to attract.

So why is Naga now being targeted? My insider said the growing view is there may be an ‘element of racism’ to it all.

Not that Naga would ever portray herself as a victim – nor would she complain, they said.

‘Naga is a journalist first and foremost and doesn’t put up with nonsense,’ they said. ‘She won’t back down when she believes something strongly, and that rubs some people up the wrong way.

‘Sian and Louise were the same but didn’t get this pushback. It feels like there’s an element of racism here but Naga just cracks on with it.

‘She would never moan about it, but it is the view being circulated by her colleagues. It’s all becoming very obvious.’

Her comrades believe misogyny may be a factor, too, pointing out that Stayt isn’t the subject of ‘nasty briefings in the Press’, despite also being ‘under review’.

My insider added: ‘Naga has high standards for herself and others, but she’s really nice and supportive. 

'They all are. It’s nowhere near as toxic as ITV. The whole thing is just very, very wrong. I mean, now Sally’s blow dry is being brought into the anti-Naga campaign.’

I first reported the fallout at BBC Breakfast back in 2020 when I was contacted by numerous employees who alleged that Frediani was a bully. 

He has reportedly been cleared of bullying allegations, but I understand one woman had a grievance upheld after claiming he physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange.

Naga is said to have stood up for younger staff, which has allegedly prompted Frediani’s ‘gang’ – mostly men – to go after her.

Last June, it was claimed Naga had been questioned by bosses over two incidents in three years, including one accusation that she bullied a junior member of staff. I’m told that this was not upheld.

It was also reported that she was hauled in after making a sex jibe while in her other BBC role at Five Live. I’ve heard this comment and can confirm it was not directed at anyone – it was a question to a woman about a rude picture.

Soon afterwards it was reported Naga is pernickety with junior staff as to how she likes her toast. It is clear, sources say, where this all comes from – and why.

But Naga has grown tired of all the pettiness. She was said to be looking for another job, but appears to have had no success. Sources say she is determined not to be pushed out.

It helps that she has the backing of some of the BBC’s best-known presenters, such as Jeremy Vine.

Sally, too, can certainly look after herself.

She was previously a sports reporter on Breakfast, having joined in 2021, impressing the upper echelons with her reporting of late rugby player Rob Burrows’ fight with motor neurone disease.

Birkenhead-born Sally split from her husband Gavin Hawthorn in 2023 and is said to be ‘very much indulging in life’ as a divorcee.

A friend said: ‘Sally is in her prime. It’s a common time for women to say f*** it and give themselves a makeover – she just had no idea it would have this kind of reaction.’

Nor could she have guessed, as one Breakfast staffer quipped, that it could land her in the middle of the show’s warring parties.