A Sky News presenter's stunned and comical reaction became the main event after a colleague's expletive-laden slip was accidentally broadcast to the nation during Saturday's breakfast show.
The Live Television Blunder
The awkward moment unfolded when Arts and Entertainment Correspondent Katie Spencer appeared not to realise she was live on air. While recording a segment about comedian David Walliams, she stumbled over her words before uttering, 'oh f*** it, I'm going to start again'. The camera then cut abruptly back to the main newsroom studio.
Presenters Kamali Melbourne and Anna Jones were left to pick up the pieces. The footage captured Mr Melbourne's priceless expression as he turned to his co-presenter with wide eyes, before composing himself to face the camera with a distinctly disapproving look.
The On-Air Recovery
Raising his eyebrows, Kamali Melbourne addressed viewers directly, saying: 'Yeah, so, apologies if you heard any bad language there - we will check that out.' He then swiftly pivoted, turning to Sky's sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao who had just joined them, and quipped: 'But Jacquie's joined us - no bad language Jacs.' To which Beltrao promptly replied: 'No bad language from me!'
The segment Ms Spencer was recording focused on claims that David Walliams had harassed and behaved inappropriately towards female staff members. Following her expletive, she was heard saying, 'Do not ever air me saying the f-word'.
Viewer Reaction and Wider Context
The gaffe was quickly spotted by sharp-eared viewers, who shared the clip widely on social media. On X, formerly Twitter, one user named Jill commented: 'Sky News' Katie Spencer had a little whoopsie on live TV. The face on the bloke at the desk .... PRICELESS. The perils of live TV.'
Another user, Michael Moslin, noted: "Apologies if you heard any bad language." You literally had to be deaf not to hear any bad language.' Others pointed out it was a 'schoolboy error' for a reporter to swear on camera, whether live or not.
The incident came amid significant professional fallout for David Walliams. It was confirmed that HarperCollins would no longer publish the comedian and children's author's works following an internal investigation. This was prompted by accusations against Walliams, which emerged in 2023. Furthermore, the BBC confirmed it has no plans for future projects with him, dealing a blow to any prime-time comeback hopes for the Little Britain star. Walliams has denied all allegations against him.
Despite the ongoing storm, one of the UK's most successful children's authors is understood to be currently on a break in the Maldives with his 12-year-old son, Alfred.
