BBC weather forecaster reassures fans he's ok after 'horrendous' broadcast

15 April 2024 , 08:49

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Simon King left BBC listeners extremely concerned (Image: BBC)

A BBC Breakfast weather forecaster left listeners concerned as he struggled to catch his breath during a broadcast.

Simon King was appearing on BBC Radio 4 when he appeared to be breathless with some social media users believing he was having "some sort of attack". No explanation was shared on air, but Simon later took to social media to update concerned listeners who were left perplexed by the incident.

The meteorologist often appears on Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live's Breakfast programmes. While the Breakfast TV slot is usually read at 7.45am and Radio 4's broadcast at 7.57am, Simon didn't appear in the studio until just before this, at 7.55am. His breathlessness left many at home extremely concerned for him.

Taking to Twitter/X, Simon shared a snap of a staircase at the BBC studios alongside the caption: "Thank you to those who asked if I was alright after my Radio 4 weather earlier. Not going to lie, it was horrendous…I just couldn’t catch a breath. Time was really tight after I finished a TV hit so I decided to run upstairs to the radio studio…big mistake. Genuinely touched by the continuing messages today, thank you and sorry for an unnecessary worry!"

Simon King had just minutes between each broadcast

The broadcaster had to sprint up to the first floor (Twitter)

Fans had questioned whether Simon had suffered from an "asthma attack" or a "heart attack" during the broadcast. Relieved by the update, one fan said: "So glad to hear all is well. I thought it was something like that. We have ALL been there. You did very well."

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"Thanks for the update, Simon. You worried a lot of listeners! Please see a doctor just to get checked out. Take care," said a second. While a third went on to add: "Really glad to hear you're okay. It sounded quite distressing! Take it easy...." Another commented: "So glad to hear you are ok. Please don't apologise for causing concern, I was just hoping someone was going to come to your rescue."

The television studios at the BBC offices in MediaCity UK, Salford, are based on the ground floor, while the radio studios are located on the first. With just minutes to spare, Simon decided to sprint up the stairs rather than wait for the lift. Speaking about the incident, he told The Telegraph: "Fortunately it was nothing more than just running to get to the studio in time up a massive flight of stairs and then struggling with it."

He added that he "couldn't breathe" and instantly regretted his actions. Simon went on to say: "These things get even worse as you start talking. I couldn't grab my breath. It just got worse and worse."

Daniel Bird