Live television can be pretty unpredictable, whether in the studio or outside. The vagaries of live television were again laid bare as a presenter was caught with his feet up on his desk during a telecast on BBC News. The moment has obviously gone viral.
As journalist Ros Atkins was reporting from outside 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, explaining how a number of cabinet ministers have resigned, mounting pressure on Boris Johnson, the camera cut back abruptly to the studio. While Atkins’ voice was still heard, viewers saw anchor Tim Willcox checking his phone with his feet resting on the desk in front of him.
While the camera caught the senior news anchor off guard, he quickly uncrossed his legs and put them down as the camera went back to show Atkins. Before Atkins continued to brief viewers about the political events unfolding, Willcox was left red-faced as he adjusted his glasses to get back to work.
TV critic and broadcaster, Scott Bryan, who shared the video, however, said he could find Willcox’s actions relatable. “Tbh [to be honest] we’re all doing the same right now,” Bryan wrote.
INCREDIBLE SCENES:
BBC News accidentally cut away to their news studio, showing a presenter with their feet on the desk. pic.twitter.com/FVvxaXTQUt
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) July 6, 2022
The video garnered over 5 million views on Twitter and has even spread on other social media platforms. The moment also triggered many jokes and memes online, with many defending Willcox saying it’s long-term effect of work from home or working over only Zoom calls.
At least he’s not wearing #pajamas.
Meanwhile, back in the newsroom. 👋 @BBCKarishma https://t.co/pZnMWqmRxR— 🚶🏻Curtis S. Chin (@CurtisSChin) July 8, 2022
Broke the first rule of British people (not being permanently upright). https://t.co/3WDdQ8Lrph
— Ben Collins (@oneunderscore__) July 6, 2022
Somebody in the control room “accidentally” pushing the wrong button – https://t.co/xCOMs3YOsl
— Eric Wynalda (@EricWynalda) July 7, 2022
What radio hosts do whilst the songs are playing https://t.co/8W9ut1Mf60
— Andrea Zara (@AndriZara) July 6, 2022
When your colleague DMs you that your zoom camera is still on https://t.co/xkEvRxAT6z
— Tom Lange🍁 (@TomLangeYYJ) July 8, 2022
Man got caught on candy crush https://t.co/iaZSar0TtL
— Mo Salahs Ears (@raheelinho) July 7, 2022
me working from home: https://t.co/XPXWOoQwVO
— Mr. Not On Vacation (@IllyBocean) July 6, 2022
When you home alone and your parents show up before time.. https://t.co/3DfptL36q7
— Ba Jakobho (@DiMutzz_) July 7, 2022
When you’re sat at a Termius station and a passenger comes to ask a question. https://t.co/d6K6DfO89m
— Jacob 🇺🇦 (@JacobiteTyne) July 6, 2022
However, this is not the first time a BBC presenter has gone viral for something like this. Last year, another anchor, Shaun Ley, broke the internet after he was seen wearing shorts under desk while presenting news.
