Skip to main contentSkip to footer
HELLO! Second Act logo
Naga Munchetty and Ateh Jewel on a collage background

Exclusive: Naga Munchetty's mother 'devastated' by broadcaster's no-kids decision

The BBC Breakfast star appeared on HELLO!'s Second Act podcast

June 16, 2025
Share this:

Naga Munchetty is a stalwart on BBC Breakfast, leading the news agenda and delivering hard-hitting interviews, regularly standing her ground with politicians.

With such power in an often male-dominated world, we knew we had to have her on our Second Act podcast, and during her chat with our host, broadcaster Ateh Jewel, we saw a different side to Naga.

In the personal chat, Naga, who turned 50 in February, reveals how her decision not to have children with husband James Hagger initially caused a rift with her mother.

"My mum was devastated, she is from a different generation," Naga shares. 

On why she opted not to have kids, Naga continued: "It was a conscious (decision) and I am doing lots of other things and living a very fulfilling life. She doesn't think I've wasted an opportunity."

Two women smiling together in a podcast studio
Naga Munchetty spoke openly to Ateh Jewel on the Second Act podcast

Naga's health concerns

As well as her family life, Naga opened up about the crippling pain she suffered from adenomyosis, a gynaecological condition where the lining of the womb grows into the muscular wall of the womb – Naga calls it "the evil twin of endometriosis."

"I was just exhausted," she said of going back and forth to doctors with her condition.

 "I thought it was normal, but there is a real distinction. If something is common, it doesn't mean it's normal," she laments.

Say HELLO! to your Second Act

Three cut-outs of midlife women smiling at the camera against a dark pink background

HELLO!'s Second Act is a newsletter for women in midlife and beyond. It's completely free to sign up and is a one-stop-shop for advice and inspiration on the issues our Second Act community have told us matter most: health, relationships, travel, menopause, divorce, careers, finance and more.

"I thought all the other women in the world were coping and thriving, and that because I've dared to bring it up, I was (perceived as) weak."

Listen to Naga's open and honest chat here…

LISTEN: Episode 2 of HELLO!'s Second Act podcast

Sign up to Second Act for invaluable midlife advice and inspirational tales

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information please click here.

More Celebrity News
See more