Live TV frequently features some of the best bloopers ever committed to screen. Anything that can go wrong frequently does, which is half the joy of watching it.
While a seasoned presenter is usually able to cover any flubs, or make an apology before any one gets offended, the internet means that nowadays these moments live on forever. 2024 was a particularly rich year for blunders on Live TV with Genral Election coverage featuring heavily on most bloopers lists.
Aside from politics presenters tripping over their words and typos on captions also made for some hilarious TV moments. Express.co.uk has selected just a few of the most memorable and messed up telly moments we reported on in 2024.
BBC Breakfast introduce "the second biggest bore in the world" - March
BBC Breakfast's graphics team had an unfortunate mishap when labelling a guest discussing a huge surfing event in Gloucester. They cut to reporter Fiona Lamden who introduced a man called Peter Mallison who only began surfing when he was 65. However, as he chatted about the wave and his excitement for it the screen flashed up "second largest bore in the world". They apologised on air for the mishap.
BBC Look North launch a questionably titled segment - January
Despite his decades of experience veteran BBC presenter Peter Levy found himself visbily giggling on camera as he requested viewers send in pictures of potholes in their area for a feature called How Big is Your Hole?
Peter Levy's unsafe "Glory Hole" update leaves viewers in hysterics - August
BBC Look North presenter Peter Levy once again struggled to contain his laughter as he discussed Lincoln's famous "Glory Hole".The footpath had been fenced off but the local council had promised to get people using it again.
Jeremy Vine says "I’m bisexual" in live on-air blunder with etiquette expert - November
Channel 5 host Jeremy Vine made an embarrassing slip-up when chatting to etiquette expert William Hanson on his daytime programme. He announced to all and sundry he was bisexual when he meant to say ambidextrous.
Kawser Quamer accidentally divulged details of her niece’s surprise birthday party - February
Kawser Quamer accidentally spoilt her niece’s birthday surprise by announcing it live on BBC North West Tonight. Host Annabel Tiffin asked her: “So, what have you got [coming] up at the weekend? Anything exciting?”
In response, Kawser seemingly forgot she was on air and said: “My niece’s surprise birthday party." Annabel said that while the plan seemed "lovely", she may have ruined the surprise and Kawser, realising her blunder, urged viewers to keep it a secret as the pair struggled to contain their laughter.
Sky News General Election exit poll noises - July
Kay Burley led Sky News election night coverage alongside Sophy Ridge and they were joined by Beth Rigby, Trevor Phillips, Ed Conway and Sam Coates. As the results of the exit poll flashed on screen Kay could be heard laughing and grunting in the background leading to accusations of bias.
