Yahoo News BBC Breakfast host Charlie Stayt apologises over technical problems during Dame Maggie Smith tribute
BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt issued an apology for technical issues that disrupted a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith.
Charlie and his BBC colleague Nina Warhurst had been speaking with Lady Fiona Carnarvon about the legendary actress, whose death was announced on Friday. Dame Maggie, renowned for her performances in the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey, died in hospital at the age of 89.
During the broadcast, as they discussed Lady Carnarvon's recollections of the late star and her time spent at Highclere Castle, there were technical problems. At the end of their conversation, Charlie said: "Yeah, apologies, a little bit of fallout there on the line, there was a bit of interference", reports the Manchester Evening News.
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He clarified: "It wasn't you, it was us. It happens sometimes."
Announcing Dame Maggie's death, a statement from her publicist said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
"An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
"We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time."
Tributes have since been pouring in for Dame Maggie from across the world. Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as Harry in the films, said: "She was a fierce intellect, had a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.
"I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie."
