15 January 2023 , 04:15
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BBC newsreader Nick Owen had Midlands Today viewers in stitches following his innocent yet hilarious mispronunciation gaffe with American rapper star Jay Z's name.
The veteran newsreader, 75, made the funny mistake when reading the teleprompter about a father-and-son dancing duo on TikTok.
Nick revealed that the pair had over 84 million views, with Jay Z and Beyonce believed to be fans of the viral stars. However, he said 'Jay Zed' rather than 'Jay Zee' before going to the segment of the programme.
Upon the return to the studio, the comedy value did not stop there as Nick corrected his earlier mistake.
BBC Midlands Today newsreader Nick Owen became a viral sensation after mispronouncing Jay Z's name (BBC)He said: "And of course when I said 'Jay Zed', you know I meant 'Jay Zee' because I am... seriously down with the kids," while finishing the sentence with a side rockstar hand sign and raising one eyebrow in sarcasm.
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The weather woman could be heard sniggering in the background as Nick closed the link on the viral story, but he was about to become the internet sensation himself.
The video of his mispronunciation did the rounds on social media, with celebrities embracing the former Good Morning Britain host's humourous error.
Nick's error was over his pronunciation of the around the rapper's stage name (Getty Images)BBC Radio 2 Breakfast host Zoe Ball shared a link on her Twitter account, writing: "Amazing moment from midlands today news… watch the video to the very end. @ , we love you," followed by a red love heart.
Blue Peter host Richie Driss said: "I want to give him a hug," while BBC Radio 1 star Katie Thistleton commented: "Ohhh he must be protected at all costs!"
Viewers also heaped praise on the newsreader, with many saying he is a "legend".
Jay, real name Shawn Carter, is married to music superstar Beyonce (Getty Images for Parkwood Entertainment)One tweeted: "You got to love Nick Owen, absolute LEGEND!!!!," with another adding: "The legend that is Nick Owen…"
A third fan wrote: "Nick Owen is a total legend! Whatever will we do when he retires? Midlands Today wouldn’t be the same without him."
A fourth suggested: "Should get a knighthood for this. I’m starting the campaign, today."
'You know I meant 'Jay Zee' because I am... seriously down with the kids' (BBC)The former Luton Town chairman - a role he held from 2008 to 2017 - began his television career as a sports reporter, commentator and presenter for ATV news in 1978.
He is mostly known for working alongside Anne Diamond on ITV's Good Morning Britain between 1983 and 1986, and again on BBC's Good Morning with Anne and Nick between 1992 and 1996. Nick has been a lead presenter on BBC Midlands Today since 1997.
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