A car crash has occurred live on air, just as BBC journalists were reporting on the hearing of Ant McPartlin.
The cameras were rolling as a blue vehicle crashed into the back of a black car, which had pulled up at the front of a white van. The front of the blue car was notably damaged by the crash.
The incident happened at a junction just outside Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court where 42-year-old TV presenter Ant McPartlin has pled guilty to charges of drink driving.
In the footage, BBC news reporter Alison Freeman can be seen reacting with alarm before apologising to viewers.
Freeman proceeded to clarify, ‘Excuse me, sorry, just some cars have just had a bit of a crash behind us.’ She added, ‘I mean such is the media crowd it has been very busy here today.’
Back in the BBC studio, newsreader Simon McCoy could be heard saying ‘oh no, oh dear!’ before jesting ‘I think the last 45 seconds of output will appear in court at some distant date.’
You can watch the footage for yourself below:
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Those watching the events unfold on television could not believe what had happened, with many people pointing to how toe-curlingly awkward the timing was.
One disbelieving individual tweeted:
As if there’s been a car crash on BBC News whilst they’re covering Ant’s drink driving story, Jesus.
Another gasped:
Two cars just crashed out side the court of ants (from ant and Dec) drink driving crash case. Never seen a live BBC reporter look more awkward.
However, others rushed to praise Freeman for showing high levels of professionalism under such unprecedented circumstances.
One person applauded:
Heroic BBC reporter filling for around ten mins waiting for Ant McPartlin to leave court… still going despite and ACTUAL car crash happening behind her.
Another noted:
Her reaction was so British!
Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court heard a statement from McPartlin which read:
I am ashamed and mortified that this happened. I accept full culpability for this and wish to apologise to all concerned … I am incredibly disappointed that have let myself and so many others down on this occasion.
The court heard how McPartlin had been breathalysed at the scene and was found to have 75 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. This far surpassed the legal limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres.
According to the BBC, McPartlin has received a fine of £86,000 and was given a 20-month driving ban. His weekly income is reported to be approximately £130,000 a week.
Taking into account McPartlin’s ‘genuine remorse’ and the fact he is ‘seeking rehabilitation,’ District Judge Barbara Barnes did not sentence him to any community service.
District Judge Barnes noted how McPartlin had once been regarded as an ‘exemplary character,’ stating:
I think it will have quite an impact on you to know you’re no longer a man of good character
Standing outside the court following the hearing, the popular TV personality expressed his apologies to those involved in the crash and stated he was ‘thankful no-one was seriously hurt.’
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.