BBC Breakfast blunder: Old episode of Newswatch featuring Huw Edwards accidentally airs

Presenter forced to apologize for embarrassing mistake

BBC Breakfast was thrown into chaos this morning after a blunder saw them air old footage featuring Huw Edwards. The flagship morning show accidentally aired an old episode of Newswatch, presented by Samira Ahmed, from 2017.

Awkward three-minute broadcast

The old episode aired for three full minutes before awkwardly cutting out when the footage showed a clip of shamed presenter Huw Edwards. Huw is currently suspended over allegations he paid thousands to a teen who sent him sexual images. A BBC investigation is taking place.

Apology from presenter

Presenter Ben Thompson was forced to apologise for the blunder and looked visibly embarrassed as he addressed the issue live on air. He said: "So you might have noticed, the eagle-eyed viewers amongst you, that that was quite an old episode of Newswatch so we will find the right one and make sure we can bring that to you a little later. So apologies, a few technical gremlins at this end."

Social media reaction

The blunder didn't go unnoticed by those watching at home who took to social media to express their amusement and frustration at the mistake. Users described the incident as "awkward" and "suspected" it might have been deliberate. Many poked fun at the BBC, with one user calling them "f***ing clowns."

"Oh god how awkward - cut it off just as Huw came on," one wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"That #newswatch was sus, seeing Andrew Marr and then later Huwey Edwards! Must have been hella old," a second added.

"OK, who put that old edition of Newswatch on? Was it deliberate....??? Anyway, thanks #BBC for one of the great cock-ups," a third chipped in.

"BBC loves a repeat, doesn't it!" laughed a fourth.

"Can't get the staff," pointed out another, while one branded the BBC "f***ing clowns."

Conclusion

Despite the blunder, presenters Ben Thompson and Naga Munchetty continued with the morning show after the incident. The BBC is now investigating how the old episode was aired and viewers are eagerly waiting for the correct episode of Newswatch to be shown.