BBC News presenter Rich Preston left viewers amused with his playful exchange with co-host Nick Beake during a segment on Europe's fifth heatwave. Preston, who became an anchor on the programme in 2020, introduced Beake, the Europe correspondent, based in Brussels.
As the camera cut to Beake, Preston remarked with a slight smile: "Er, Nick, you're looking hot this morning. How's the picture across Europe?" Beake smiled back and replied, "Good morning, Rich," before delivering his report on the soaring temperatures.
Viral reaction
The brief moment was shared by TV critic Scott Bryan in a now-viral video on Instagram on Thursday. Bryan joked in the text, "Outrageous flirting on BBC News," and added in the caption: "Just DM them, ffs." Preston responded in the comments with "I couldn't resist," and also shared the video on his Instagram Story with a "breaking news" caption.
TV personalities including GMB presenter Andi Peters and weather presenter Laura Tobin left laughing emojis. Fans also reacted with one joking, "Someone write a fan fiction," and another adding: "Get a room, you two." One viewer noticed Preston's smile, writing: "That little grin at the end," while another quipped: "*sends to crush."
Presenters' backgrounds
Preston began presenting on the BBC's television news channels in October 2019 after working for the BBC World Service, and became a full-time news anchor in February 2020. Beake, an Emmy award-winning correspondent, became the BBC's foreign correspondent in 2021 and has reported from over 40 countries across five continents.
Related BBC apology
The lighthearted moment comes after the BBC apologised to viewers who struggled to understand a weather presenter. Scottish presenter Judith Ralston, 58, worked nationally in London for a week earlier this month, and some viewers found her "virtually incomprehensible" during segments, while another complained she "has a hard accent to always understand." Scottish viewers defended her, with one noting her microphone seemed to fade in and out.
The BBC confirmed a technical issue had caused "the audio levels to be lower than intended" and has since been fixed. A spokesperson said: "We received complaints regarding the audio quality during weather forecasts presented by Judith Ralston. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused."
This follows reports that BBC Weather could face significant changes, with plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs and save £500 million. According to The Times, three prominent presenters – Tomasz Schafernaker, Louise Lear and Darren Bett – are reportedly considering voluntary redundancy as the broadcaster aims to make meteorological coverage more digital.
