Yahoo News BBC News' Ben Brown apologises after being caught yawning live on air
Watch: Ben Brown is caught yawning on live TV
BBC newsreader Ben Brown issued an apology to viewers after he was caught yawning live on air.
During Sunday's news programming, the broadcaster was shown doing a big yawn after the cameras accidentally cut back to him during a news item on bagpipes.
Realising he was on screen, Brown quickly collected himself and sat back up straight in his seat to continue presenting.
Read more: BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood apologises for saucy slip-up
The moment was shared on social media, with one Twitter user joking about the government's introduction of tier four to London and large parts of the South East of England.
Apologies for this dear viewers - I was at the end of a long shift after a 5am start when the director cut to me by mistake. The perils of live TV! https://t.co/hBp36V7JIQ
— Ben Brown (@BenBrownBBC) December 20, 2020
"Seems like tier 4 fatigue is getting to the BBC News presenters Face with tears of joy #UKlockdown @BenBrownBBC @BBCNews," they wrote.
Re-sharing the footage, Brown wrote: "Apologies for this dear viewers - I was at the end of a long shift after a 5am start when the director cut to me by mistake. The perils of live TV!"
The funny moment seemed to strike a chord with many as they assured Brown he didn’t need to apologise.
Ben, no need to apologise at all. Feel for you having to deliver unremitting, bad news. I always know I’m in the hands of a top operator when you’re on.
— John Crowley (@mrjohncrowley) December 20, 2020
Indeed a VERY special affection for the bagpipes! 😂 Must say it’s rather heartwarming to read this outpouring of love & understanding from so many sympathetic, bemused, & grateful viewers! At least something is as it should be these weird days! 🙏🏻🎄❤️
— PEYTON (@Peytonsmusic) December 21, 2020
While BBC political correspondent Nick Eardley joked: “Not a bagpipe fan Ben? Ha, it's been a long 2020.”
not a bagpipe fan Ben? Ha, it's been a long 2020.
— Nick Eardley (@nickeardleybbc) December 20, 2020
Nearly 18 million people have been affected by the new rules, which came into play on Sunday.
Read more: Extra police deployed amid scenes of travel chaos after new tier announcement
Now those living in tier four will not be allowed to mix indoors with those not from their household for Christmas, bar a few exceptions.
Elsewhere in England, Scotland and Wales the planned relaxing of indoor mixing for five days has now been scaled back to just Christmas Day.
Watch: Tier 4 measures see passengers head to St Pancras to get home
