BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty couldn’t resist outing one of her colleagues as a closet Steps aficionado during the show on Friday (April 15). The 49-year-old broadcaster was back on the air with co-host Charlie Stayt, tackling some of the day’s most pressing news items.
Their conversation spanned from the concerning increase in adult illiteracy rates to the latest updates on the Israel-Gaza conflict and the impending rail strikes set to disrupt travel nationwide. However, the tone lightened considerably when they broached the topic of a potential new statue in Cowbridge.
A story that captured attention on April 1 suggested that the obscure Welsh town had plans to honour the iconic 1990s pop group Steps with a statue dedicated to band member H, also known as Ian H Watkins, who shot to fame following their chart-topping hit ‘5, 6, 7, 8’ in 1997.
However, local authorities clarified that the buzz was merely an April Fool’s joke, with no intention of greenlighting an 8ft tribute to the Welsh singer.
Following the feature on the supposed statue and the band’s popular tracks, Naga cheekily quipped to Charlie: “I love that you have loads of Steps song titles in your head.”
Charlie couldn’t contain his amusement as he confessed on air: “Actually, that one wasn’t one I’m familiar with. I have to admit, I wasn’t familiar with it.”
Naga was quick to continue the banter, playfully outing the Steps fans among their colleagues, turning her attention to weather presenter Matt Taylor.
She teased with a laugh: “Matt was. Matt knows them all, don’t you Matt? ” and Matt confirmed with a proud: “Of course.”
He then explained: “Well, when you’ve got young girls, you can’t not know the Steps songs, can you? “.
Matt shared a personal anecdote, revealing that one of his daughters had her first concert experience with Steps, saying: “One of them it was their first concert, we all went to see Steps. So it’s been in the car a lot of times.”
The conversation took place after Charlie had earlier suggested an innovative addition to Carol Kirkwood’s weather segments.
When they handed over to the popular weather presenter, she informed viewers about the likelihood of wind and rain which might persist into the weekend.
Back on the iconic red sofa, Charlie proposed a novel concept for Carol’s forecasts, saying: “Carol may I suggest a new ometer for your weather forecasting? Which would be for drying clothes outdoors ometer.”
He inquired, “Can you incorporate that at any point?” Carol responded with enthusiasm: “I think that’s such a great idea Chalie, yes. I would love to.”
Pleased with his suggestion, Charlie eagerly asked: “When will we see that?”
Continuing the jest, the blonde presenter pondered aloud before eventually saying: “What year is that 2024… hmm maybe 2027? ” Her co-host Charlie caught on to her humour and responded with a nonchalant “Yeah, yeah. Whatever”, as Naga sent her weekend wishes to the weather reporter.