Richard Madeley apologises after GMB reporter yawns on air
Richard Madeley apologised live on Good Morning Britain after reporter Jay Akbar was caught yawning on air during a tragic beach report. Comms issues left Akbar unaware he was live from West Mersea, sparking viewer outrage on Thursday morning as the ITV host moved on.
Key Takeaways
- Richard Madeley apologised after Jay Akbar yawned live during a serious GMB beach report.
- Akbar could not hear the studio because of communications problems at West Mersea.
- Viewers slammed the moment online before Akbar later delivered the tragic update.
- Emergency services remain at the scene; details of the incident are unconfirmed.
The awkward clip quickly spread across social media, putting celebrity breaking news watchers on alert. For many, the yawn looked out of place beside a report about a tragic incident.
What happened on Good Morning Britain?
On Thursday morning, Madeley and co-host Kate Garraway tried to cut to Jay Akbar live from West Mersea beach near Colchester, Essex. Madeley asked him for the latest on the developing story.
Akbar appeared unaware he was on air. He looked around awkwardly, then yawned audibly instead of answering. According to The Mirror, a sound issue meant the reporter could not hear the studio.
Fans were quick to criticise. One wrote that Akbar was "yawning, no tie," while others called the reporter "chilled" during a tragic beach segment and said he should be dropped from the show.
Why did Richard Madeley apologise to viewers?
Faced with silence and a live yawn, Madeley stepped in. "No, I'm sorry," he told viewers, explaining that Akbar was "obviously having some communications issues" before moving on.
The Mirror reported a similar apology, with Madeley saying they would "try again later." The moment left the presenter covering for a co-star who could not respond on cue.
Later in the programme, the link was restored and Akbar reported a "tragic accident" on West Mersea Beach. He said the Coastguard, Essex Police, the RNLI and the East of England Air Ambulance had been searching the coastline and water on Wednesday evening, and asked people to stay away.
What do we know about the West Mersea incident?
Exact details have not been confirmed. The West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team said it had responded to a "tragic incident" and that its thoughts were with the family involved.
Essex Police asked the public to avoid Seaview Avenue and the beach area while crews remained on scene. The Mirror reported locals feared fatalities after people were seen being pulled from the water and CPR performed, though emergency services have not confirmed the nature of the incident.
The yawn was also the second awkward on-air moment for GMB in two days, after Reform politician Robert Jenrick was caught calling an interview a "waste of time" with his mic still hot.