BBC broadcasting stalwart Hazel Irvine found herself in an embarrassing situation during live coverage of The Masters snooker tournament, forcing a swift on-air apology to legendary commentator and colleague Dennis Taylor.
The On-Air Slip-Up and Swift Correction
The incident occurred on Monday during the BBC's broadcast of the first-round match at the prestigious Alexandra Palace event. Irvine, a veteran face of the corporation's Triple Crown snooker coverage, mistakenly stated that Mark Allen was only the second Northern Irish player to have won the Masters title.
This assertion overlooked the illustrious career of her BBC co-worker, Dennis Taylor, who famously claimed the trophy in 1987. After being corrected via her earpiece by production staff, Irvine immediately acknowledged the error. "Mark Allen, the third [Northern Irish] player, I am corrected, to win the Masters," she said. "How could I forget about Dennis Taylor? Sorry DT. Apologies."
Playful Studio Reaction from Fellow Legends
The gaffe prompted a humorous reaction from the pundits sharing the studio with her. Snooker greats Stephen Hendry and John Parrott responded with mock gasps and playful "oooooh" sounds, leaving Irvine to laugh and remark, "I am in the bad books now!"
Parrott continued the jest, quipping: "[Taylor's] rich tea biscuit all over his television! I'm telling you, he's chucked it!" In a bid to make amends, Irvine promised, "I'll buy you [Taylor] a drink in Sheffield then," referencing the city that hosts the World Snooker Championship.
Allen's Victory Amidst Illness
The presenting team had been analysing the clash between 2018 champion Mark Allen and two-time winner Mark Williams. World number 10 Allen fought back from 2-1 down to win five consecutive frames, sealing a 6-2 victory and a place in the quarter-finals.
Following his win, 'The Pistol' revealed he had been battling severe food poisoning in the lead-up to the tournament. "I was lying in bed all week... I thought to just go out and give it my best," Allen admitted. He also praised the Alexandra Palace venue, calling it "the best place we play all year" with an atmosphere "second to none."
Allen will now face either world number one Judd Trump or 2011 champion Ding Junhui in the next round, as he aims to reach the final for the first time since his 2018 triumph.
