BBC Breakfast: Jon Kay and Sally Nugent open the show
BBC Breakfast viewers were left baffled as an “important” interview seemed to be “abruptly” cut off by presenter Jon Kay.
On Tuesday’s programme (August 13), Jon and co-presenter Sally Nugent were joined by Marjorie Wallace, founder and chief executive of the mental health charity SANE, via video-link.
The trio were discussing the “distressing” case of the Nottingham stabbings.
It comes as the family of Valdo Calocane shared medical records that they say showed missed opportunities to prevent the attacks which claimed three lives, including a 300-page summary which they claim show Calocane was “let down” by NHS mental health services.
Marjorie said: “It’s one of the most damning reports I’ve read, and I’ve been going to enquiries and reports for over 30 years. But sadly, although this is a terrible, horrific headline case, sadly the same kinds of things are happening all the time – not always leading to headline tragedies.”
Though the interview went on for a few minutes, Jon was forced to cut across Wallace, interrupting her to say: “Marjorie, I’m afraid we really… So many intersecting interests and so many questions. Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of the mental health charity SANE.”
The video feed then cut off – and Sally and Jon headed straight for a weather report and a segment about holidays.
Furious fans took to social media to complain about the "abrupt" ending, as one fumed on X: "The interview with Marjorie Wallace Founder and Chief Exec of SANE was ended abruptly so they could go to the weather and then some guff on holidays.
"She has vast experience, the interview should have been extended."
Another fan agreed: "Yeah very abruptly cut off." And a third fan echoed: "Marjorie Wallace spot on on #BBCbreakfast re Valso Calocane."
After the BBC Panorama interview highlighted the apparent failings of the mental health system, fans were keen to praise the documentary – and to hear more about the crisis.
