A live BBC One broadcast was thrown into disarray on Monday morning when a technical fault abruptly cut off a guest's audio mid-interview. The incident occurred on 12th January 2026 during an episode of Morning Live featuring Strictly Come Dancing professional Lauren Oakley and her former celebrity partner, football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The Moment the Sound Cut Out
The pair had joined the programme via video link to discuss the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing live tour. Presenter Helen Skelton was quizzing Oakley about the playful rivalry and backstage pranks among the dancers. Just as Oakley began to reveal details, claiming fellow pro Neil Jones liked to think of himself as the "prank king," her audio feed failed completely.
"Well, Neil likes to think that he is like the prank king. But I think I put up some good competition during the series. There are a few backstage things going on," Oakley said before the connection glitched. The rest of her anecdote was lost to viewers.
Presenters' Quick-Witted Recovery
Co-host Gethin Jones swiftly made light of the awkward situation with a joke aimed at the alleged prankster. "He's pranking your connection right now!" Jones quipped. Once the video link was restored and Oakley was back on screen, Skelton adeptly moved the conversation forward.
"We didn't hear a word, but we will just take it that you don't want to give away the gag!" Skelton told the dancer, ensuring the segment continued smoothly despite the live TV blunder.
Strictly Tour Secrets and Prank Warnings
The conversation then turned to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, with Helen Skelton sharing her own experience of Neil Jones's backstage antics during her time on Strictly in 2022. She warned the former footballer about Jones's habit of whispering inappropriate comments just before going on stage.
Hasselbaink laughed in response, revealing he was already well-acquainted with Jones's behaviour. "I am used to Neil doing that," he said. "He has been doing that at Elstree as well, so I'm actually very, very comfortable with Neil going a little bit crazy."
The technical hitch provided an unexpected moment of live broadcasting drama, showcasing the presenters' professionalism in handling unforeseen disruptions. Morning Live continues to air daily on BBC One.
