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BBC Breakfast viewers had something to hoot about on Sunday morning after a restless barn owl attempted to escape the studio floor.
Presenters Luxmy Gopal and Ben Bland were conducting a straightforward interview with staff from the Cheshire based Vale Royal Falconry Centre when feathers were ruffled, at least in a manner of speaking, on the BBC sofa.
Ending the show with a segment on bird conservation, both Gopal and Bland were taken aback when special guest Rusty the owl – brought along by staff-member Annette – opened its wings and attempted to fly out of the Salford Quays studio.
Fortunately, the nocturnal bird was securely tethered, meaning escape was impossible.
‘I think Rusty says it’s time to finish,’ joked Gopal. ‘Thank you for being patient!’
Away from the studio floor the editor of BBC Breakfast is taking an extended period of leave after allegations about his behaviour, according to BBC News.
BBC Breakfast viewers had something to hoot about on Sunday morning after a restless barn owl attempted to escape the studio floor
Presenters Luxmy Gopal and Ben Bland were conducting a straightforward interview when feathers were ruffled, at least in a manner of speaking, on the BBC sofa
Richard Frediani has been in charge of the morning show since 2019 and accepted a Bafta last month when BBC Breakfast: The Post Office Special scooped the news coverage award.
Media outlets reported that an internal investigation is being carried out following allegations of bullying.
BBC News reported that an HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC is also supporting the corporation as it looks into the culture of the morning TV show.
Meanwhile, The Sun newspaper has reported that BBC bosses have spoken to Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty about two alleged incidents, which include an allegation of bullying, in three years.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.’
It is understood that any complaint at the BBC is reviewed on its own merits and the appropriate action taken as a result, with a range of actions on the table.
In April, BBC executives Tim Davie and Samir Shah vowed that “today is the day we draw a line in the sand” after an independent review found some “well-known names” are “not being held to account for poor behaviour”.
The workplace culture review, led by management consultant Grahame Russell from Change Associates, was launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards.
Gopal and Bland were taken aback when special guest Rusty the owl – brought along by Vale Royal Falconry Centre staff-member Annette – opened its wings and attempted to fly
Fortunately, the nocturnal bird was securely tethered, meaning escape was impossible
Elsewhere, presenter host Nina Warhurst announced she would be stepping down from her role as BBC Breakfast’s resident business reporter at the end of March.
Nina, who joined in 2018, revealed on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Hanging up the high-viz & hairnet as I join the BBC’s News at One.’
She added: ‘Our London team built a gem of a programme & it’s a privilege to be on the Salford team taking it forward.’
‘The teenage me who lived half a mile from here & dreamed of journalism would NOT believe it.’
Richard’s tweet read: ‘Delighted to welcome Nina Warhurst as a regular presenter of the News at One from April.
‘Congratulations – a brilliant addition to the team in Salford.’
Presenter host Nina Warhurst (pictured) previously announced she would be stepping down from her role as BBC Breakfast’s resident business reporter at the end of March
