In a live broadcast that quickly turned awkward, BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent was left gasping 'we'll be in trouble!' after a significant on-air gaffe concerning the charity Children In Need. The incident occurred during Tuesday's episode of the popular morning show, prompting Nugent to cry out for help from her colleague, weather presenter Carol Kirkwood.
An Unscripted Slip-Up During Doctor Who Segment
The 54-year-old presenter had returned to the programme's iconic red sofa alongside her co-host Jon Kay, 56, for the latest instalment. The pair were discussing various news headlines, including an exciting opportunity for Doctor Who fans to purchase props and memorabilia from the beloved BBC series.
Items available included a Cyberman helmet, a sonic screwdriver, Bonnie Langford's Vespa, and even a life-size Tardis. Kay enthusiastically explained, 'It's the first time these items have gone on sale...' before continuing with what he intended to be positive news about the charitable aspect of the sale.
The Moment of Realisation
Jon Kay initially stated, 'Good news, all the profits, whoever buys them, however much they spend...' before suddenly realising his error. He quickly corrected himself, confessing, 'Oh. Not all the profits, some of the profits... go to Children in Need.'
Sally Nugent immediately picked up on the slip, adding humorously but with evident concern, 'We've just made it all of the profits, so there we go!' Kay attempted to explain the implications, saying, 'Now they've got to give all the money, we've forced them,' which only heightened the tension.
It was at this point that Nugent gasped dramatically, 'We'll be in trouble!' before swiftly attempting to hand over to her co-star Carol Kirkwood, who was about to present the weather segment. In a moment of genuine panic, Nugent added, 'Carol, help!'
Kirkwood's Light-Hearted Intervention
Rather than addressing the charitable gaffe directly, Carol Kirkwood provided some comic relief by confessing her own interest in the Doctor Who items. 'I don't know, quite fancy the Dalek or the Tardis!' she admitted, prompting shocked reactions from both presenters.
A visibly surprised Sally Nugent asked, 'Would you?!' while Jon Kay questioned, 'You fancy a Dalek?!' Nugent then told Kay, 'Oh Jon, don't say that,' bringing a moment of levity to what had become an increasingly awkward situation.
Context of Kirkwood's Impending Departure
The incident comes shortly after Carol Kirkwood fought back tears during last Tuesday's broadcast as she revealed she will be leaving the BBC in April after more than 25 years with the broadcaster. The Met Office-trained meteorologist struggled to deliver the news immediately after providing updates on Storm Chandra.
Joining presenters Sally and Jon on the sofa, an emotional Kirkwood explained, 'So, I'm going to be leaving - and it's really hard, really hard for me to say this because I love my job.' She added with characteristic humour, 'But it's great - I don't want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying, "I can't reach the Northern Isles anymore!".'
Personal Reasons Behind the Career Change
Carol Kirkwood, who hails from Morar on the west coast of Scotland near the Isle of Skye, revealed she plans to spend more time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall, whom she married at the end of 2023. 'We only got married a couple of years ago and we're ships that pass in the night so I'm so looking forward to doing that,' she said, explaining that the pair hope to travel together.
Kirkwood also looks forward to dedicating more time to writing novels, having already published five books. Remarkably, she had kept her departure secret from everyone - including friends and BBC Breakfast colleagues - until the emotional announcement.
With a smile, she confessed, 'I love my job, I've loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job.' Turning to her colleagues, she added, 'I didn't want to get emotional but you two are my friends and I love you dearly.'
A Touching On-Air Moment
As Carol finished delivering her news, Sally Nugent held her hand while Jon Kay reached for a box of tissues, before both presenters gave her a tight, supportive hug. Sally then lightened the mood by joking, 'There's one important thing that we haven't mentioned, which is that you are going to get a lie in.'
BBC Breakfast continues to air weekdays on BBC One from 6am and is available to stream on iPlayer, maintaining its position as one of Britain's most-watched morning news programmes despite occasional live broadcast mishaps and emotional farewells.
