BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty couldn’t resist calling out her colleague on live television after he mentioned the ‘C-word’. The 49-year-old presenter, alongside her fellow host Charlie Stayt, 62, graced our screens once again as they took up presenting duties for Friday’s edition of the morning news programme.
In one segment, the pair were joined by BBC’s finance specialist Ben Boulos to discuss the imminent price hike of first class stamps set to take effect on Monday.
Charlie introduced the topic, remarking: “We have Ben taking a look into this. I suppose buying now is one way to save.”
Ben elaborated: “That is one way to avoid the costs. It is becoming very expensive to send off cards and letters and some businesses are getting worried.”
He disclosed that this marks the third price rise since last October. Currently, a standard first class stamp is priced at £1.35, but from Monday it will jump to £1.65, which equates to a 22% increase, reports the Express.
Ben advised: “If you’re quick, you can buy a sheet of 50 first class stamps that will be £15 cheaper than if you bought them on Monday. So if you’re planning to send lots of Christmas cards, stock up over the weekend.”
The finance expert then posed the question: “Will you be sending fewer Christmas cards because of the increase in cost or perhaps you’ve already stopped sending things by post?”
The debate over the best time to discuss Christmas sparked off between Naga and her co-host on live television. Naga queried his early mention of the festive season, remarking: “So I can’t object to you saying the C-word now can I because it’s the fourth of October?” To which Ben asserted: “Absolutely not, we are well on the run up to Christmas.”
Naga shared her enthusiasm for festive traditions, noting: “I think there is a joy in sending Christmas cards.”
Ben agreed but highlighted the efforts involved: “There is a joy in receiving them,” before adding, “But there is also a stress in sending them.”
He then turned to Naga with a question about holiday prep: “Do you get organised and get them all sent out? If you can do it in time to send them second class then it’s a great way to save money but for me you’ll be lucky if they arrive before the new year.”
Naga interjected, playfully pointing out a personal observation: “I’ve never had a Christmas card from you.”
This led to Ben admitting his organisational mishaps: “I’m so bad at sending them and getting organised so it doesn’t happen. You’re not the only one.”
Ending with a light-hearted nudge, Naga suggested: “Try to change that will you.” And Ben conceded: “I’ll try.”
BBC Breakfast is on BBC One weekdays at 6am and on BBC iPlayer