BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt issues apology to viewers after he abruptly ends interview
Charlie Stayt was compelled to abruptly end his BBC Breakfast chat with Sir Tony Brenton following technical difficulties.
The 63 year old host was positioned on the iconic red sofa on Saturday (August 16) morning beside Luxmy Gopal, who was standing in for usual presenter Naga Munchetty.
The duo brought former British Ambassador to Russia Sir Tony onto the programme via video connection to examine developments regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's announcement that he would meet US President Donald Trump following their "long and substantive conversation" after Trump's Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Nevertheless, their discussion was interrupted due to signal difficulties. Charlie informed BBC audiences at home: "Ok, we're just going to take a moment. I will check that we have the sound OK. I am not sure if that will repair itself.
"I will check with you that you can hear me OK and we will go through the motions. Can you hear me?" Sir Tony responded: "Yes, I can. Can you hear me?", reports Bristol Live.
The dialogue resumed but technical problems soon caused further disruption, prompting Charlie to intervene for a second time.
The host stated: "I am just going to apologise to our audience because we have some problems with the link there.
"I think we will have to leave that one. We were speaking to the former UK ambassador to Russia but with the problems on the line.
"Our coverage this morning includes a lot of diplomatic activity. What we can say for certain is that on Monday, President Zelensky will be heading to Washington to hold discussions with President Trump."
BBC Breakfast made waves earlier this week when Charlie and Naga interviewed Only Fools and Horses legend David Jason in the studio.
The actor seemed to engage in a bit of "flirting" with presenter Naga, delivering a string of playful comments.
At one point, Sir David started to digress mid-story, prompting Charlie Stayt to guide him back, asking: "Come back to the anecdote, what was it you were going to say? A little story?".
To which the beloved Sir David responded: "Yes I was, but... you... it's Naga, I can't resist, [I can't] take my eyes off her."
Sir David also quipped during the interview that Charlie was "in the way" by sitting between him and journalist Naga, leading Charlie to humorously remark that "three's a crowd".
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