BBC embarrassment as reporter mistaken for market worker mid-broadcast: 'I don't work here!'

BBC embarrassment as reporter mistaken for market worker mid-broadcast: 'I don't work here!'

WATCH NOW: BBC reporter interrupted after being mistaken for worker

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 20/12/2023

- 10:39

Updated: 20/12/2023

- 11:41

Reporter Ben Boulos had to adjust his report midway through

The BBC suffered a rather embarrassing mishap on Wednesday morning when one its reporters was mistaken for a greengrocer mid-report.

Ben Boulos was the man tasked with providing the latest on the news that inflation had dropped to 3.9 percent.


The ease in the rise of prices in the UK means the current rate has fallen to its lowest in more than two years.

The 3.9 percent figure is significantly less than the 4.3 percent economists had predicted for December.

Boulos was speaking to BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent from a market hall in Birmingham as he delivered the details.

Decked in a hi-vis jacket, Boulos began his report before a member of the public perusing the stalls approached him.

Ben Boulos

Ben Boulos was interrupted mid-report

BBC

"The rate in which those prices are rising has slowed down again," Boulous said midway through his report as the man walked towards him.

The member of the public then interrupted Boulos to ask him a question, forcing the reporter to look away from the camera.

Addressing the customer, Boulos cut him off: "I don't work here, I'm just doing the news."

Boulos turned his attention back to the camera as he let out a chuckle and apologised to viewers.

WATCH NOW: Bev and Andrew share thoughts on BBC newsreader blunder

He continued to deliver his insight but presenter Kay couldn't resist mocking the mishap when the cameras returned to the studio.

"Thank you for explaining that and thank you for fitting us into your shift at the market this morning, it's very kind of you," Kay joked.

"What was happening just then?" he asked to which a giggling Boulos harped back: "I can tell you the aubergines and peppers are £12 a box so if you want any, I'll pick some up for you!"

The BBC News presenters shared a laugh but it isn't the first time in recent weeks the broadcaster's news coverage has hit headlines.

Jon Kay

Jon Kay teased his colleague over the mishap

BBC

Earlier this month, newsreader Maryam Moshiri was forced to apologise after she was shown flipping the middle finger up live on air.

The moment went out during a live broadcast, prompting the presenter to insist it was part of a joke with her colleagues.

The BBC went on to release the extended footage of the incident which showed Moshiri counting down with her fingers off-camera while the titles rolled.

In her apology, Moshiri stated: "It was a private joke with the team and I’m so sorry it went out on air! It was not my intention for this to happen and I’m sorry if I offended or upset anyone."

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