Geri Halliwell found herself in an uncomfortable situation during her appearance on BBC Breakfast in 2023. Following a particularly awkward interview with hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, the BBC was compelled to apologise to the Spice Girl. After the segment concluded, Geri, 52, reportedly expressed that she would never want to appear on the show alongside the pair again.

This incident has come to light amid multiple allegations of bullying surrounding BBC Breakfast, including complaints made against host Naga Munchetty. According to MailOnline, Naga was reprimanded by BBC executives over two incidents within three years, including an allegation that she bullied a junior staff member, although this claim was not upheld. In a piece by showbiz editor Katie Hind, it was suggested that Naga, who is 50, is being unfairly made a "scapegoat" by Richard Frediani, the editor of Breakfast since 2019.

Frediani is currently the subject of an internal investigation, which has prompted several staff members, including show host Charlie, to share their experiences.

However, it would be interesting to know Geri's thoughts after she appeared on the programme to promote her latest novel. Naga probed Geri on whether she had "researched" her interviewers before agreeing to chat.

During the awkward discussion, Naga said: "You've come in, making sure you've done your research on us as well, haven't you?"

Charlie then jumped in and said: "Also, you point your finger quite a lot, to be honest."

Shocked, she replied: "Is that rude?! I'm so sorry, Charlie." Naga then bluntly said: 'Do you not like being interviewed?'

Breakfast insiders reportedly shared that Naga got the heat for that interaction, even though Charlie was just as involved in the interview.

Frediani is now on extended leave after years of complaints against him, at least one of which was upheld, although many have been dismissed. Those who know him say that he's "desperate to return to his job" and will be hoping his colleagues back him under questioning.

Frediani's behaviour has long attracted negative attention, with complaints about his managerial style dating back to April 2020, just months after he started working at the Corporation. In that short period since his arrival, a series of complaints had already been made about an 'intimidating and bullying' culture on Breakfast, which led to long-term members of staff leaving their jobs.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told me shared that the "whole atmosphere had become poisonous" and like a "boys club".

When Express.co.uk reached out to BBC for comment, they responded: "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."