BBC Breakfast halts live segment over 'distressing' image as reporter left visibly concerned

Daily Record

a day ago

BBC Breakfast was forced to abruptly pull a live feed from Stonehenge during their Summer Solstice coverage after airing a disturbing image which took horrified viewers by surprise. Reporter Peter Ruddick was on camera at the time of the incident interviewing revellers, as he told viewers: "For some this is a spiritual occasion. For others it's a party, or a rare chance to walk among history.
"For everyone, it's special. Special indeed, and I've been asking everyone, 'What are you going to do with that extra bit of sunshine?' Because as Naga said, today is the day." However, his report was suddenly halted as it froze on the scene of a dog in a coat lying very still on the grass with Ruddick looking down at the creature with visible signs of concern on his face.
Back at the studio, hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty quickly filled in to reassure viewers. Charlie told the audience: "Okay, we should just explain - problems with the line there.
"The dog that Peter was looking at there is all well and good, just a little tired. We saw it breathing earlier on, because it was wrapped up to keep warm. That's all."
The incident takes place amid BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani's extended leave last week following claims of bullying, the Mirror reports.
Frediani has been in charge of the programme, which is broadcast daily from Salford, since 2019, and is also editor of the News at One.
Just last month, he accepted a Bafta Award when Breakfast won best TV news coverage for a special episode about the Post Office scandal.
An insider disclosed to The Sun: "It's been an incredibly challenging past few months for everyone involved with BBC Breakfast - from crew to on-screen talent."
"Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect.
"He's devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he's a brilliant boss."
In a statement regarding Frediani, a BBC spokesperson shared: "While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.
"We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed."
In a separate incident in April, the BBC published the findings of a review into its workplace culture which found that some stars and managers "behave unacceptably" at work, and bosses often fail to tackle them.
In another development, The Sun is also reporting about two alleged incidents which it says caused BBC bosses to speak to presenter Naga Munchetty.
The Beeb said it would not remark on individual cases but reassured all complaints about conduct at work are taken extremely seriously.