BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay has been hailed “utterly brilliant” for his reaction to an awkward interruption while reporting live outside Downing Street.
Awkward interruption during live broadcast
On Monday, July 20, Jon was reporting ahead of Andy Burnham being announced as the new Prime Minister. The former Greater Manchester mayor replaced Sir Keir Starmer after winning the backing of 379 of Labour’s 403 MPs.
While providing political analysis, Jon was distracted when an old friend walked in front of the camera to shake his hand. He politely shook back before turning around and pulling an awkward face.
Social media reaction
Jon shared the moment on social media, writing: “When an old mate spots you in Downing Street - and doesn’t realise you’re live on @bbcbreakfast.” Fellow BBC colleagues Gethin Jones, Nikki Fox and Ricky Boleto reacted with laughter in the comments.
One person said: “Utterly brilliant.” Another wrote: “The best moment of the morning!! It made my day,” while someone else added: “You styled it out perfectly Jon!! Very funny.” Yet another commented: “That was hilarious - loved it ! Your face and Chris just carried on.”
Behind the scenes at Downing Street
Jon had earlier shared a video update from outside Downing Street, saying: “Hello from Downing Street in Westminster where we’re about to see the handover in power. Sir Keir Starmer will hand in his resignation to the King today, and Andy Burnham will become the UK’s new Prime Minister.” He then panned his camera to show the autocue, monitor, and production crew.
He noted: “The sun is coming through which is good because it’s been really quite chilly here this morning. Busy day ahead, and I’ve just been thinking, I’ve been doing the job presenting BBC Breakfast for four years, exactly four years and this is my fifth Prime Minister.”
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
