BBC Breakfast cut suddenly to hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt after a heart-stopping moment on-air

BBC Breakfast

BBC Breakfast hurriedly pulled a live segment off-air (Image: BBC)

BBC Breakfast was forced to yank its live segment after appearing to show a distressing image to viewers watching at home. The programme was airing a segment on location from the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, with its roving reporter Peter Ruddock explaining: “For some this is a spiritual occasion. For others it’s a party, or a rare chance to walk among history.

“For everyone, it’s special. Special indeed, and I’ve been asking everyone, ‘What are you going to do with that extra bit of sunshine?’ Because as Naga said, today is the day-“ He was abruptly cut off, with the live feed freezing, showing a dog lying in the grass wearing a coat and the reporter looking down at the animal, clearly concerned.

BBC Breakfast

The hosts quickly told viewers the dog was not dead, just resting (Image: BBC)

Back in the studio, hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty rushed to explain what was going on, with Charlie holding his hands up.

He said: “Okay, we should just explain – problems with the line there. The dog that Peter was looking at there is all well and good, just a little tired. We saw it breathing earlier on, because it was wrapped up to keep warm. That’s all.”

It comes after boss Richard Frediani has taken a step back from the programme amid allegations of bullying. The executive is now on extended leave, with one source telling The Sun: “It’s been an incredibly challenging past few months for everyone involved with BBC Breakfast – from crew to on-screen talent.

“Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect. He’s devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he’s a brilliant boss.”