BBC Breakfast Hosts Struggle to Contain Laughter Over Bizarre Seagull Deterrent Report
BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Ben Thompson found themselves unable to contain their laughter during an unusual news segment that aired on the flagship morning programme this Saturday, March 28. The pair were co-hosting the show when a report investigating whether stick-on googly eyes could deter seagulls from stealing food left them struggling to maintain their composure.
Unusual Segment Takes a Comedic Turn
As they introduced BBC reporter Jake Zuckerman's investigation into the quirky theory, Ben Thompson visibly fought back laughter, prompting Naga Munchetty to step in quickly. However, she too was seen stifling giggles as she explained the premise to viewers. "This is a theory being put forward by experts who say attaching those googly eyes - the eyes that shake, aren't they - can deter opportunistic thieves such as these," she said, gesturing to a large image of a seagull displayed behind her. "Our reporter Jake Zuckerman has been to the seaside. He's been testing it out."
The segment featured Dr Laura Kelly from the University of Exeter, who elaborated on the research. "We found that if you present gulls with takeaway boxes with and without eyes on, that gulls are far less likely to approach and eat from takeaway boxes that have eyes on. In essence, gulls seem to be deterred by the presence of eyes," she explained.
Testing the Theory in Cleethorpes
Jake Zuckerman took to the streets of Cleethorpes to test the theory firsthand, carrying a large polystyrene box adorned with wobbling eyes. He interviewed locals about their thoughts on the research and even handed out stick-on eyes for people to try themselves. Reactions were mixed, with one interviewee calling it "a bit daft," while another eagerly accepted a pair of eyes, saying, "I'll try ought, I'm scared to death of them."
As the report concluded, Zuckerman added the eyes to doughnuts and ice creams, then puppeteered the polystyrene takeaway box to make it appear as if it were speaking, signing off with "Jake Zuckerman, BBC News." The cameras immediately cut back to the studio, where Ben Thompson was seen covering his mouth in an attempt to suppress laughter at the bizarre ending before regaining his composure.
Hosts React with Humour and Curiosity
Naga Munchetty then announced, "And we will be talking to an ecologist and seagull expert about this a little later on Breakfast," before turning to Ben. "Ben's got ideas as well." He responded with his own theories, questioning, "I have theories. I'm wondering whether they need to actually move or whether you can just print them on the box. Because who's going to be walking round with little eyes all the time."
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer, but this particular segment provided a light-hearted and memorable moment for viewers, showcasing the hosts' humorous side amidst the usual news coverage.
