In an unexpected and somewhat eyebrow-raising moment, a recent viral clip has captured a candid instance of BBC News anchor Maryam Moshiri, seemingly oblivious to being live on air, offering an unconventional greeting to viewers. The incident unfolded just as she made her entrance following the program’s signature musical countdown.
With an unmistakable flash of her middle finger, Moshiri momentarily diverted from the expected decorum, leaving many viewers initially taken aback. However, it didn’t take long for her to swiftly regain composure and transition into her professional role as she began to deliver the latest headlines, focusing on none other than Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
From the bustling heart of London, Moshiri declared, “Live from London, this is BBC News,” adopting a more composed demeanor in a matter of seconds. Yet, it was a subtle slip in her delivery, stumbling over the term “coronaverse” pandemic, that hinted at a possible realization of her momentary lapse.
This unintentional faux pas unfolded on the global stage, via the world feed of BBC News, during the noon broadcast in the UK on a Wednesday. As the UK channel was broadcasting Prime Minister’s Questions, viewers worldwide were tuned in for updates delivered directly from the heart of London.
Inevitably, the incident sparked a flurry of reactions from the audience, with opinions divided. Some were quick to point out what they perceived as a lapse in professionalism, while others light-heartedly sympathized, finding humor in the relatability of human imperfection.
This isn’t the first instance of presenters finding themselves in hot water on BBC News due to untimely gestures. The network was compelled to issue apologies in the past, most notably in 2010 when weatherman Tomasz Schafernaker found himself at the center of a similar controversy.
During a segment, news presenter Simon McCoy playfully teased Schafernaker about the impending weather forecast. Unbeknownst to him, Schafernaker, believing he was off-camera, humorously responded by raising his middle finger. His quick thinking allowed him to transition the gesture into a feigned chin scratch, deflecting the situation with humor.
This amusing clip soon garnered millions of views online, establishing Schafernaker as a beloved figure among BBC’s weather presenters.
In a separate incident last September, Moshiri once again made headlines, this time with an impromptu and endearing attempt to depict a rare blue supermoon when a visual of the celestial event failed to materialize on screen. “I’m so sorry, I don’t have a picture to show you,” she confessed in a moment of panic.
Thinking on her feet, Moshiri ingeniously crafted a makeshift representation, using her hands to create a circle symbolizing the full moon. It was a charming and relatable moment that endeared her to viewers.
Moshiri’s tenure as a prominent figure on BBC News was confirmed earlier this year when she was announced as part of a select lineup of top presenters. In a subsequent development, it was revealed in July that she would be taking the reins of “The Daily Global” program, a role she continues to excel in alongside her anchoring duties.
While the unexpected hand gesture may have momentarily raised eyebrows, it is Moshiri’s ability to seamlessly transition from candid moments to professional composure that keeps her a captivating presence on the screen. In the world of live broadcasting, where the unexpected is a constant companion, such moments remind viewers of the authentic and human side of journalism.
