Naga Munchetty forced to apologise as she makes BBC Breakfast guest cry

Naga Munchetty was left apologising live on air after a BBC Breakfast guest broke down in tears just minutes into an emotional interview. The 50-year-old presenter had welcomed Tiggy Walker, widow of late BBC radio legend Johnnie Walker, onto the sofa alongside co-host Charlie Stayt to discuss her new book about their marriage. But Tiggy became overcome with emotion when a clip of Johnnie's final broadcast was played. The iconic broadcaster, who died last December aged 79 from pulmonary fibrosis, had only stepped down from his 58-year career a few months earlier due to illness.

As the footage ran, Tiggy struggled to contain her feelings. The camera showed her fighting back tears, prompting Naga to say: "You warned us, because of what we did, and it is so joyful that you're laughing, feel free to grab a tissue out of your pocket and I'll just explain." Tiggy tried to laugh through her tears but admitted: "That finished me off," as Naga reassured viewers she had been shown the clip before it aired.

The BBC host empathised with her guest: "We're always so aware and conscious that you come on, and it's a lovely book - a tribute of your love to each other - but it's hearing the voice again."

Reflecting on Johnnie's sign-off, Tiggy described it as "the best ever" radio farewell. She said: "It was dignified and so Johnnie. It was beautiful, he was a clever broadcaster."

But the emotion of the moment left Naga apologetic: "I'm sorry to start off by making you cry. Usually it happens at the end!"

Showing good humour, Tiggy replied: "That's a first, Naga!"

Tiggy went on to open up about her new book, which documents both the highs and lows of her life with Johnnie.

Charlie Stayt praised the way she conveyed the couple's love story: "You illustrate that almost perfectly, by what happened at the beginning of this chat. You had tears in your eyes, and you're laughing at the same time."

Tiggy admitted writing had been "therapy," adding: "I'm so proud of him and who he was, but the tears, you can't help it sometimes."

She revealed Johnnie himself was "thrilled" when the book was commissioned and even recorded the audiobook before his death.

"I couldn't be more proud of how he kept broadcasting almost to the end, and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease," she said. "He remained his charming, humorous self to the end. What a strong, amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish."

Tiggy ended with a touching tribute: "And if I may say, what a day to go. He'll be celebrating New Year's Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace."

Breakfast airs daily on BBC One from 6am and is available to stream on iPlayer.