BBC Breakfast's biggest controversies - from 'dogging' blunder to leak on air

17 January 2023 , 12:05

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BBC Breakfast's biggest controversies - from 'dogging' blunder to leak on air

BBC Breakfast has been a staple on air for the past 40 years and the broadcaster celebrated the milestone on the morning of Tuesday, January 17. They invited old guests, some dating back to the very first episode, back into the studio to reminisce about the show and remember its highlights.

The show was launched as Breakfast Time on January 17, 1983, and was originally presented by Debbie Rix and Russell Grant. They joined current hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay to celebrate the big day by sharing their memories of the show and reminiscing about days gone by.

But there are some episodes the BBC would probably rather forget, from a 'dogging' gaffe to a famous guest who thought they'd received a very racy proposition from one of the hosts. Here, we've taken a look at the show's most controversial or memorable moments.

For the landmark, old guests were invited back onto the show (PA)

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Lewis Capaldi's x-rated blunder

Lewis Capaldi left Naga Munchetty flustered - and viewers in hysterics - after making a racy sex joke live on BBC Breakfast.

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The Scottish singer was on the show on Saturday morning to talk about his new single Forget Me, which shot to the top of the charts last week giving him his third Number 1.

But during the chat with Naga and co-host Charlie Stayt there was a "classic breakdown of communication", as Lewis explained on Twitter afterwards.

It all started off innocently when 25-year-old Lewis told Charlie he had "great hair".

Lewis Capaldi misheard Naga on BBC Breakfast and thought she'd said something very rude

"You've got great hair too," Charlie replied, before Lewis leant in to give the breakfast presenter a high five.

Naga then jokingly asked the pair if they "would like a room" as their budding bromance continued.

This is where it all went wrong, as Lewis mistakenly thought Naga had said something else completely.

Seemingly forgetting he was on live TV, Lewis replied: "I thought you said rim."

A shocked Naga covered her face in embarrassment and stared down at the camera as she swiftly moved things on.

Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty were left in shock

Ending the interview, she told viewers: "We're going to have a little word with Lewis" as he laughed in the background.

Sharing the now viral clip on his Twitter account afterwards, the singer wrote: "A classic breakdown in communication."

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At the time, fans were quick to comment on the hilarious clip with one saying: "Hahahahaha this might be your finest work yet."

Another said: "Quite possibly the greatest interview of all time. Lewis you're a legend sir!"

A third wrote: "This is the most awkward thing I've ever seen, I love it. That moment when you realise you will end up in a HR meeting later..."

A third was left red-faced after tweeting: "I've just had to explain what rimming is to my Mum on her 76th birthday cos I was laughing too hard at this she wanted to see the clip... It's not the gift I wanted to give her!"

While a fourth joked they were "off to go tidy my rim".

Carol Kirkwood is a seasoned BBC Breakfast veteran, but even she's behind some gaffes (BBC)

Carol's dogging gaffe

Carol Kirkwood accidentally said she had seen "lots of doggers" in a London park live on air.

BBC Breakfast cameras were rolling when the weather presenter, 58, delivered her spiel from Greenwich park for the show earlier on Monday.

It was a slip of the tongue when the TV sensation claimed to have seen "lots of doggers" bright and early.

She said: "Fabulous, the sun is beating down. We've seen lots of doggers."

Carol Kirkwood says she's seen 'lots of doggers' in London park in huge blunder (BBC)

Naturally the blonde bombshell had meant to say she had seen "lots of dogs and joggers" on her broadcast.

Just moments after, Carol corrected her mistake to all the viewers.

The presenter showed great professionalism by continuing with her forecast with a straight face and a smile.

She added: "Not doggers, of course. Lots of dogs and joggers this morning - and the forecast for this week..."

Later on social media, Carol apologised to her 236.5k followers for her blunder live on air.

She wrote: "That will teach me to try and say joggers and dog walkers in the same sentence!!! Sorry!"

But it seemed viewers didn't mind the mistake at all.

Marathon runner Kevin Sinfield was caught short on the show (BBC)

Kevin Sinfield relieves himself live on air

Marathon runner Kevin Sinfield left the BBC Breakfast cast in stitches after spending a penny during a live broadcast.

Presenters Charlie Stayt and Rachel Burden shared awkward glances after the rugby legend sloped off track to urinate on the side of the road.

Charlie said: "We have a camera on board a bike which is following... we set him off every morning and we don't really know how it works apart from..."

The BBC Breakfast studio erupted in hysterics (BBC)

Then in perfect timing Kevin took a toilet break in front of the live cameras.

Thinking on her feet, Rachel added: "Now we know how it works."

'Horrific' comments

Just last year, BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay was roasted by viewers after he grilled Kirsty Brimelow QC, the vice chair of the Criminal Bar Association.

Jon Kay has been accused of making 'horrific' comments (PA)

The pair discussed the barrister strikes in England and Wales, and the presenter focussed on whether the barristers should be paid more or not.

He asked why they were pushing for a 25 per cent pay increase, which was higher than what rail workers and nurses were asking for.

He asked: "Am I right in saying that you're asking for a 25 per cent rise in pay for legal aid?"

Defending the pay increase, Kirsty replied: "For professionals who are coming through all their studies with about £60,000 in debt, and it's taking a good 15 years before they're reaching that level of earnings of probably an average of around £47,000.

"So people are not prepared to hang around for that long when they can't afford to do so.

One fan named Steve fumed on Twitter and wrote: "Horrific interview from Jon Kay on @BBCBreakfast - may as well be a government spokesperson."

John Bett