A source told the aforementioned publication: “The probe into Fredi’s bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast. In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart.

Naga Munchetty pictured with her co-host Charlie Stayt

Naga revealed she has become more “confident” about speaking up since turning 50. (Image: GETTY)

“Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. But some stars, like Sally Nugent, are loved by Fredi, whereas others, like Naga and Charlie, are not.

A BBC spokesman previously said: “While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.”

It comes as Naga, who joined BBC Breakfast alongside Charlie in 2014, opened up to HELLO! Magazine’s Second Act podcast about finding more confidence after turning 50 earlier this year.

She shared: “I came to terms with being a bit kinder to myself. It’s okay, you’re doing your best and you’re doing okay. Some people bash you just because they want to. And I realised they were fools.”

“I’m still that person where there are things I want [to do] but I don’t go for it because I don’t know if I am deserving of it. Both of my parents were immigrants and believed in “work hard and be good”. So you work hard to create your own opportunities.

On advice to her younger self, she said: “Stop caring about what everyone thinks. Stop modifying yourself, stop making yourself small to please people. I did too much of that.”