BBC’s shipping forecast interrupted for first time in 91 years
- By Web Desk -
- Dec 20, 2016
LONDON: The BBC’s shipping forecast was interrupted for the first time in its 91-year history after weatherman Tomasz Schafernaker was unable to complete a reading.
The BBC weatherman left listeners baffled as he struggled to make it through the Shipping Forecast – before giving up altogether.
The forecast was interrupted for the first time ever in its 91-year history – as Schafernaker coughed and spluttered though the 5.20am broadcast – hours after putting in something of ‘a nightshift’ at a BBC Christmas party.
His voice cracked before he mumbled ‘excuse me’ – an awkward on-air silence followed before newsreader Chris Aldridge took over.
His agent said of the gaffe: “Tomasz was taken ill during an early morning shipping forecast following a long and demanding night shift on 4th December.
“Fortunately he handled the situation professionally and made a full recovery.”
It’s not really clear what was happening to the 37-year-old on air but his apparent distress left some listeners seriously worried about the weatherman’s health.
It’s not the first time Schafernaker has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
In 2007, he was forced to apologise after referring to the Outer Hebrides and Western Isles as ‘nowheresville’.