BBC News presenter Geeta Guru-Murthy apologised to viewers after she and her guest exchanged pleasantries that were meant to be off-air, unaware the cameras were still broadcasting.
The 58-year-old host had just finished interviewing the BBC's world affairs editor, John Simpson, about his 60 years at the broadcaster. As she began to wrap up, she said: "Lovely to see you, as always. John Simpson there. This is BBC News."
Off-air moment caught on camera
Believing the broadcast had ended, she told Simpson: "Thank you so much. That was lovely," before getting out of her seat. Simpson, who is celebrating 60 years at the BBC, was heard saying: "I couldn't, I suppose, have a kiss. Thank you so much, really lovely of you."
Realising the cameras were still rolling, Guru-Murthy rushed back to her chair and said: "Sorry. Sorry. We are still on air, sorry. I hadn't realised that. Um this is BBC News. Let us move on now to sport…"
Viewer reactions and past gaffes
Reacting to the blunder, one viewer wrote on social media: "Saw this on-air – was wondering why that awkward moment took place," while another asked: "Was there supposed to be a break after that segment and that's why that happened?"
Over the years, the BBC has seen several live on-air gaffes. Weatherman Tomasz Schafernaker became famous after jokingly raising his middle finger to newsreader Simon McCoy live on air. He later modelled for magazines and appeared on shows like Celebrity MasterChef, Would I Lie To You?, Pointless Celebrities, and The Weakest Link.
In 2023, newsreader Lukwesa Burak introduced a segment with "Around the world and across the UK, this is BBC News." The screen cut back to the studio prematurely as she stretched and said "Okay." She quickly noticed the camera and seemed to suppress laughter while looking down at her notes.
More recently, Pete Levy misnamed a show during a BBC Look North bulletin, referring to "BBC Two's Crimewatch programme" instead of Springwatch. He corrected himself, saying: "Springwatch programme, I beg your pardon!" and added: "Not Crimewatch, Springwatch. Oh, that's a classic, isn't it?"
