Lightning strikes forced Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Patrick Vieira to abandon ITV's rooftop studio in New York just minutes before the France vs Morocco World Cup match on Thursday night. The panel was moved indoors as adverse weather conditions struck the broadcaster's outdoor location at Panorama Brooklyn Studios.
Sudden studio switch
ITV's pre-match coverage had opened with the pundits situated outdoors at the New York loft, but lightning in the area prompted a swift change. Presenter Mark Pougatch confirmed the move, stating: "There's lightning in the area in New York, so the regulations dictate we've had to vacate our outdoor studio, so we've moved inside." The team relocated to an elegant indoor alternative, replacing the grey, overcast outdoor setting.
Previous weather disruptions
This was not the first time ITV had been forced indoors during the World Cup. Last month, Laura Woods, Juan Mata, Patrick Vieira, and Karen Carney endured challenging windy conditions during Switzerland's victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rattling sounds could be heard in the background as Woods struggled to keep her hair under control. Coverage of Canada's game against Qatar also shifted indoors, with ITV deploying contingency arrangements for Ange Postecoglou, Emma Hayes, and Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Praise for the studio
Despite the disruptions, presenters and pundits have lavished praise on the studio, which is housed in a former Jehovah's Witnesses headquarters transformed into a production centre. The facility offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and East River. Pougatch described it as "our New York loft apartment, home for six weeks of coverage of the World Cup," adding: "We hope you will love this view as much as we do... You are thinking it must be AI. I promise you it is real." Keane remarked: "Amazing, fantastic," while Wright added: "It's amazing, unbelievable set. It's the World Cup, it should be this, it should be grand, massive."
Contrast with BBC
The response contrasts with that of the BBC, which opted to stay in Salford for its programming but looks poised to travel to the USA for the semi-final round.
