A Good Morning Britain reporter angered viewers on Thursday morning as he was caught yawning live on air. Jay Akbar was live on a beach in West Mersea to tell the audience about a tragic accident, but seemed to be unaware that he was on camera as he stood looking around awkwardly before showing how tired he was.
Richard Madeley, who was in the ITV studio, introduced the segment as he said: “Jay Akbar, can you tell us the latest please?” But he had no response as the journalist yawned audibly instead. “No, I’m sorry,” Richard apologised to the fans. “He’s obviously having some communications issues there for the time being,” he added before swiftly moving on. However, fans at home were quick to notice the awkward moment, with many resharing it on social media. One person fumed: “@GMB Jay Akbar oh dear. Yawning, no tie. Bad.”
Another said: “This Jay bloke is a shocking reporter, needs binning off. #GMB.” As a third added: “#gmb tragic incident at the beach. Chilled reporter.”
Later in the programme, the issues were resolved and Jay managed to tell viewers about a “tragic accident” on West Mersea Beach, with people being asked to stay away from the area.
He shared that the Coastguard, Essex Police, the RNLI and the East of England Air Ambulance were all in attendance in the seaside town near Colchester on Wednesday evening as they were seen searching the coastline and the water.
While it has not been confirmed exactly what happened on the beach, the West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team said: “We have responded to a tragic incident on West Mersea beach. Our thoughts are with the family involved.”
An Essex Police spokesperson said: “Emergency services are currently on scene of an ongoing incident in West Mersea, Colchester. While we remain on scene, we would ask the public to avoid the Seaview Avenue and beach area.
“We appreciate that this will cause some local issues, but would ask for your patience and understanding as we may be there for some time yet. Thank you.”
The yawn is the second awkward moment caught on camera in just two days. Yesterday, on Wednesday morning, Reform politician Robert Jenrick was caught calling his interview with Ed Balls and Susanna Reid a “waste of time” as he didn’t realise his mic was still on.
Ed hit back as he said: “I think it wasn’t a waste of time. I think Robert Jenrick gave us very clear answers on the police investigation.
“It’s not a waste of time for him to make clear that he believes there’s no police investigation. So, it was good he came on the programme.”
