BBC news anchor Rich Preston sparked a viral frenzy after he couldn't resist teasing his colleague Nick Beak during a live broadcast. While hosting a segment on the fifth European heatwave, Preston threw to Beak in Brussels with a playful twist.
'Let's speak now to our foreign correspondent Nick Beak, who's in Brussels,' he began. 'Nick, you're looking hot this morning; how's the picture across Europe?' Beak, clearly amused, was seen smirking slightly before delivering his weather report.
Viral Reaction Online
The clip was soon noticed by TV critic Scott Byran, who shared it on X and Instagram with the caption 'outrageous flirting on BBC News'. Preston later replied on Instagram, joking that 'he couldn't resist'.
Fans online were delighted, with many sharing their amusement in the comments. Chrizszd wrote: 'He knew what he was doing', while Luizedu.pex joked: 'The BBC fulfils its mandate for unbiased, truthful reporting.' On X, @matthew_inaus laughed: 'Hahaha well played @RichPreston' and @willdofficiale wrote: 'Love this. Cheeky cheeky.'
Not a Romance in the Making
For those hoping for a budding romance, there's bad news: Preston is married. The clip also reminded some users of a less successful flirting attempt involving Sky Sports presenters Derek Thompson and Robert Cooper, known as Sir Bob.
While Sir Bob was reporting from Hereford, Derek noted: 'Oh you've been joined by a beautiful lady.' The only problem? The person with Sir Bob was a man. With perfect timing, Sir Bob replied: 'It's a man, actually, Derek.'
