Viewers of BBC Breakfast have slammed Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt following a ‘awkward’ interview with Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner.
During the conversation, Ginger Spice introduced her new book, but viewers’ attention was drawn to the questions posed by the BBC hosts.
Geri was compelled to apologise to Charlie for an apparently ‘impolite’ gesture at one point, while Naga questioned the singer about if she really liked being interviewed.
Meanwhile, Geri accused Charlie of ‘cynicism’ as he voiced concerns about how ‘small’ her writing shed was, before Naga questioned Geri on whether she had’researched’ them before to the interview.
The BBC star asked: ‘Do you know what, you’re very interesting as an interviewee because you’ve come in, making sure you’ve done your research on us as well, haven’t you?’
When Geri claimed it was the ‘polite’ thing to do, Charlie chimed in with: ‘Also, you point your finger quite a lot, to be honest.’
‘Is that rude?! I’m so sorry Charlie,’ a shocked Geri replied apologetically, before being hit by Naga with: ‘Do you not like being interviewed?’
A bit taken aback, Geri replied: ‘I like communication, I don’t mind.’
Geri, 51, then gave a shout-out to a BBC staffer after Naga and Charlie revealed how his first journalistic experience involving the Spice Girls.
As the chat came to an end, Geri told Charlie: ‘You’re a lucky man to have this lady sitting next to you.’
‘I tell him that everyday,’ Naga replied, while Charlie claimed the same could be said the other way around.
Viewers were perplexed by the entire encounter, with some describing it as uncomfortable and even “antagonistic.”
One person wrote on X: ‘Why is this interview with @GeriHalliwell on @BBCBreakfast so awkward?
‘Geri is a delight, but both interviewers seem to have this slight antagonistic undertone. It’s so weird!’
Why is this interview with @GeriHalliwell on @BBCBreakfast so awkward? Geri is a delight, but both interviewers seem to have this slight antagonistic undertone. It's so weird!
— sinead mccrory – she/her (@Sineadtyferm) October 26, 2023
@BBCBreakfast Disapponting to hear Geri Halliwell being asked more about her husband than her writing. Very naughty Charlie!
— annette0011 (@annette0011) October 26, 2023
Yet another car crash interview with Munchetti and Stayt.. #BBCBreakfast
— John Wallis (@johnwallis01) October 26, 2023
@BBCBreakfast loved the Gerry Halliwell interview! Pure class. Charlie & Naga on great form….You ain’t gonna get away with waffle on this show! pic.twitter.com/MChhE6pNWS
— Mark Fitzsimons (@mfitz34) October 26, 2023
Referring to Charlie asking Geri about her Formula One ace husband Christian, another said: ‘Disappointing to hear Geri Halliwell being asked more about her husband than her writing. Very naughty Charlie!’
Someone else wrote: ‘Yet another car crash interview with Munchetty and Stayt.’
Someone else was far happier with the interview, saying: ‘@BBCBreakfast loved the Gerry Halliwell interview! Pure class. Charlie & Naga on great form….You ain’t gonna get away with waffle on this show!’
Another echoed: ‘Brilliant show, great guests and a big thanks to Naga and Charlie for making it.’
BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One.
