BBC's Clive Myrie 'corrected' live on air as Houghton causes spat over how to pronounce it

Houghton-le-Spring caused an unlikely stir on Election night, as presenter Clive Myrie and studio guests squabbled over how to pronounce the town, as it became the centre of attention over this year's quickest count.

Sunderland has a proud record over the years as being the place to declare first when the country has gone to the polls and BBC's Sally Nugent was sent to the count in Houghton, as Sunderland South aimed to pip Blyth to the post to be the first to announce for the General Election 2024.

After Sally had let slip that Sunderland had a 'secret weapon' at its disposal, in the form of bank teller Jackie, who had done the job to great effect in past Elections, the declaration was made just before 11.15pm, with Blyth second to announce as BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty waited on location at a local sports centre.

READ MORE: General Election 2024 LIVE as results see Labour win in landslide

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But, as Labour claimed victories in both towns, it was how to say Houghton that also became a big talking point. Clive was first to make an attempt, suggesting it was pronounced 'Hooton' before, his studio guest, former Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson then corrected him off air, to tell him it was actually pronounced 'Howton.'

However, Peter was too put in his place as BBC poltical editor Chris Mason stepped into claim it was in fact 'Ho-ton' as locals watching online also waded in on the spat.

Backing Chris, one took to X to react: "@ChrisMasonBBC well done for pronouncing Houghton le Spring correctly. Can you tell the BBC’s sports presenters that’s how Steph Houghton’s surname too." Another responded: "Why can't anyone say Houghton properly? Sky, ITV, BBC absolutely no one has got it right. Ask some people from Houghton like @bphillipsonMP."

As other people watching at home described the Houghton debate as a 'genuine highlight' of Election night, another disagreed with Clive, Peter and Chris as he posted: "It’s howton It’s heeewton It’s howton No it’s Horton (houghton le spring) you bbc c***s Even I know that and I live 300 miles away but have been there for a night out in 2008."