BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt found himself telling Trade Minister Chris Bryant to "stop talking" during this morning's programme after a lighthearted question about Brussels sprouts spiralled into an unexpectedly lengthy festive discussion.
The minister had joined the Friday broadcast to address the government's Employment Rights Bill, but when Mr Stayt posed what should have been a straightforward query about whether he would serve the divisive vegetable at Christmas, Mr Bryant embarked on an extended monologue.
"Just a yes or no, Brussels sprouts with your Christmas dinner?" the host had asked.
What followed was far from brief, with Mr Bryant sharing family anecdotes and declaring his passionate support for the controversial festive side dish.
Charlie Syaty ordered Chris Bryant to 'stop talking'
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"That wasn't a yes or no answer, but I appreciate it," Mr Stayt remarked.
Mr Bryant revealed he was the sole sprout enthusiast in his household, explaining that he ends up both preparing and consuming the entire portion himself.
"I love Brussels sprouts, but I'm like, the only person in my family who likes them. I end up cooking them, and I end up eating all of them," he told the presenters.
The minister then recounted an attempt to persuade his mother-in-law to try the vegetable during a previous festive gathering.
Charlie Stayt's conversaiton with Chris Bryant prompted laughter from co-host Naga Munchetty
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"I tried to force one on my mother-in-law a couple of years ago at Christmas, and she said it was akin to the 1930s, so I think there are divided opinions on Brussels sprouts," Mr Bryant explained.
Despite Mr Stayt's clear indication that time was pressing, the Labour MP showed no signs of wrapping up his culinary commentary.
Mr Bryant proceeded to elaborate on his culinary preferences, declaring his unwavering commitment to the vegetable.
"I'm in favour of Brussels sprouts. I'm completely and utterly in favour of Brussels sprouts. I mean, there are different ways of cooking them. I prefer them roasted, and I think sometimes they're better with cranberries," he stated.
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Chris Bryant gave an in-depth answer about Brussel sprouts
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"Our time is up!" Mr Stayt interjected. "You have to stop talking about Brussels sprouts, you really do."
The minister protested that the host had initiated the topic, insisting it was not his fault for continuing.
"You started it! It's not my fault!" The MP retorted.
Rather than concluding, the Trade Minister then shifted his attention to another Christmas dinner essential, beginning to expound on the importance of achieving perfectly cooked pigs in blankets.
Mr Stayt humorously pleaded with the production team to intervene, asking: "Can we please cut the minister off?"
Co-presenter Naga Munchetty could be heard laughing heartily throughout the exchange, reminding Bryant that other broadcasters were waiting to speak with him.
"You have got other broadcasters to talk to," she pointed out.
As the segment finally drew to a close, Ms Munchetty offered a positive assessment of the minister's rambling response.
"That was one of the best answers from ministers we've had," she giggled.
The festive food theme continued later in the programme when Morning Live hosts Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones discussed their own sprout-related content, with Ms Munchetty revealing she had tried her first raw Brussels sprout that very morning.