BBC Breakfast viewers were less than impressed as presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt interviewed Nigel Farage on Friday’s show.
The duo spoke to the Reform UK leader about the upcoming General Election as his party overtook the Conservatives in a new YouGov opinion poll.
However, his interview sparked outrage among viewers, with many people watching turning off the broadcast.
Taking to Twitter, @jennorwood commented: “Oh God, Farage on BBC Breakfast, I just can’t. Had to change the channel. Cannot stomach him.” @KarmaUnc wrote: “Just muted #BBCBreakfast on the TV.”
@DameV17 added: “Not Farage again on BBC TV! Shocking sight on BBC Breakfast. TV off.” @miowrama said: “That’s @BBCBreakfast switched off the next 10 mins. Good luck @TVNaga01, hope you can keep it together whilst ‘that man’ is on the sofa.”
@LufcSharon fumed: “@BBCBreakfast switched off, cannot deal with listening to Farage and his bile.”
However, other viewers were thrilled to see Mr Farage on the show.
@OfSelina commented: “Nigel Farage on #BBCBreakfast? It’s about time the BBC gave Nige some airtime. He really hasn’t had much this election from our national broadcaster.”
Another BBC viewer added: “Nigel Farage on #bbcbreakfast is making a lot of sense tbh.”
During the interview, things got slightly heated between Mr Farage and Stayt as the presenter questioned him about Reform UK’s manifesto.
Mr Farage said: “I’m going to launch our contract on Monday where I’ll lay out all of the costings of our plans.
“All I can tell you is that what we’re doing is bold and imaginative.”
However, Stayt was quick to call out the politician as he touched on the front page of Reform’s website.
He highlighted that the party has been getting advice from independent economists, thinktanks and advisers.
The BBC host quipped: “A moment ago you said you’re not about conformity, that just sounds like everybody else.
“Every other political party would say: ‘We’ve talked to independent advisers, we talked to a thinktank’. You sound like everyone else.”
Mr Farage joked that he has been called many things over the years, but being like everyone else is not one of them.
He added: “No, absolutely not. I’ve just outlined some very radical proposals. Equally, we don’t think anybody would pay inheritance tax until the estate is worth £2million.
“We want to lift the VAT threshold to help small businesses. I promise you, what’s coming on Monday is very, very different.”
BBC Breakfast continues weekdays on BBC One from 6am.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
