BBC News' Ben Thompson left hiding live on air after snake story terrifies him

17 July 2023 , 21:48

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BBC News' Ben Thompson left hiding live on air after snake story terrifies him

BBC News anchor Ben Thompson has been praised by viewers after he hid behind his script while covering a story involving snakes.

The broadcaster admitted to viewers that he felt uneasy about sharing the story as he urged those watching at home to look away if they also had a phobia of the reptile.

Ben, 41, appeared to be distressed as he lifted his script to hide his face as the video clip appeared on screens around the studio as well as being broadcast to millions of viewers at home.

Addressing viewers directly, he said: "[If you're scared of] snakes, look away now – I'm not quite sure how I can tell you this next story because I hate snakes.

Ben Thompson was forced to hide behind his script on BBC News (BBC)

"So I'm going to do it like this," he added before placing his script in front of him as he continued: "What you can see there is actually a Florida duo, they're known locally as The Glades Boys, capturing what is, the longest ever recorded Burmese python in the US state.

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"It weighs 125lbs, 19 feet in length and is now, officially, a record-breaking catch," before the camera returned to focus on him as he sat with his head down and his script covering his face. "Has it gone yet?!" he asked producers.

The broadcaster revealed he was terrified of snakes (BBC)

Viewers have since taken to social media, with one writing: "Why did it have to be snakes?! This is how to read the news if you're scared of it - hide behind your notes @BBCBenThompson tells the story of the Burmese python captured in Florida @BBCNews."

"I couldn't even watch him be scared of snakes because I am so terrified of snakes," wrote a second. As a third went on to type: "Oh my, I know how this anchor feels. I could give him a hug right now."

Another added: "Awww Poor guy. I feel for him. I have a phobia of lizards and am having a hard time watching S2 of The Afterparty because there's a lizard in nearly every scene. I can't imagine having to report on something that scared you! This was adorable, though."

"LOL - very funny - news reporter is like 'is it gone yet? OK, good,'" wrote a fifth. Ben has been busier than usual recently as he's been fronting both the BBC News as well as BBC Breakfast. Last week he stepped in to replace Jon Kay who was taking some annual leave from his position on the show.

Daniel Bird