Keith Chegwin dies: BBC accidentally broadcasts 'bad taste' comment over report on presenter's death

Man's voice heard on BBC News Channel speculating about death of TV personality

Television viewers were outraged after the BBC accidentally broadcast a man making an insensitive comment about the death of Keith Chegwin.

The TV presenter died on Monday at the age of 60 after battling a progressive lung condition.

The BBC News Channel was set to talk to Chegwin's former colleague John Craven, but then cut to the weather instead.

A man's voice was then heard saying: “Too much smoking probably.”

Some of the people watching went online to express their disgust at the blunder.

“Too much smoking probably.... what a gaffe. typical bbc keithchegwin rip,” posted one person on Twitter.

Another tweeted: “Extremely ashamed at BBCNews BBCOne A tragic report that Keith Chegwin has sadly passed away from ongoing lung issues, only to hear a big gaffe as someone can be heard saying...”Too much smoking probably“ #ShameOnYou.”

Another person complained that it was in “bad taste”.

A BBC spokesman said: “During a live interview the studio had a sound issue with a guest which resulted in off-air audio being inadvertently broadcast and it was quickly rectified.”

PA