BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt forced to apologise on air after broadcast error

Live TV can be tricky, especially when it comes to technical issues – but BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt knows all about how to calmly handle these situations.

On Saturday morning’s show, presenters Charlie and Naga Munchetty gave viewers a sneak peek at what to expect in the upcoming programme, but were quickly forced to apologise for the sound.

As fellow commentator John began to explain what fans could expect at the Euros later in the day, there appeared to be sound issues and static coming from his microphone.

When the camera returned to the studio, Charlie apologized for the noise. He said, “My apologies for the noise interference, we’ll sort that out before we talk to John again in the next few minutes.”

This is not the first time Charlie has had to apologise live on air, coming just days after the 61-year-old was reprimanded by co-anchor Naga after admitting to making up a story for the morning news show.

The two hosts discussed new rules at some UK airports that will see drivers pay a fee to drop off or pick up a passenger on board a flight. London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and London Gatwick are among the airports charging drop-off fees. The British Travel Association has previously said the fees are “unfair and excessive” and would cost airports £300 million a year.

BBC journalist Ben Boulous joined the discussion to explain how the new rules mean charges at some airports are being levied in certain areas after just 10 minutes.

To help Ben explain how drivers could avoid the fee and get a free ride to the airport, Charlie asked him for advice on how to offer his friend Barry a ride to the airport without getting fined. Naga interrupted Charlie to ask, “When is Barry’s next trip? Just to make sure it’s all planned out.”

Charlie then had to admit that he had made Barry up on air. “Uh, Barry is made up. He’s not a real person,” he confessed, to which Naga responded, “You’re a real killjoy!”

Charlie immediately apologized and offered his services as a taxi driver to anyone with Barry’s name who was watching. One fan quickly chimed in: “Me and my mate (Barry) are leaving later Charlie. Start the engine, I need a ride.”