BBC newsreader praised over 'pregnant people' rebellion by GB News star

BBC News presenter Martine Croxall has been praised by GB News broadcaster Emily Carver for overruling an autocue whilst live on air. The journalist, 56, deviated from the teleprompter script during a segment on Saturday, 21 June, while discussing what groups of people were most at risk from heat-related illnesses. Amid souring temperatures in the UK over the weekend, she referred to research by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and then said the words "pregnant people." However, after she spoke, she then quickly corrected herself to instead say "women". The viral moment has garnered plenty of social media attention, with Harry Potter author JK Rowling throwing her support behind Martine.

GB News presenter Emily has also waded in on the conversation. She said, "She [Martine] was well irritated by that. I think I've had that before, where I've disapproved of how something was written in an autocue and thought, I'm going to correct that with a little bit of sass."

Her co-star Tom Harwood said, "Because it's not just what she said, it's the way she said it the slight smirk, the eyebrow raise." Emily added: "It was a rebellion."

Tom continued: "I hope she's not sanctioned for this, because I know sometimes the BBC can be a bit fusty. But I hope everyone can see exactly what she was doing. And I think she was probably speaking for a lot of people when she did it."

Emily then said, "So now she's shot to more fame, hasn't she? Overnight, I think all of this went very viral indeed. She's welcomed her new followers on Twitter off the back of it. It's all very amusing."

Martine also took to social media to share her thoughts after her moment went viral online. She wrote: "A huge thank you to everyone who has chosen to follow me today for whatever reason. It's been quite a ride..."

JK Rowling responded to the video on X with her viewpoint, saying, "I have a new favourite BBC presenter."

One person who supported Martine said on X, "BBC News presenter Martine Croxall refuses to say 'pregnant people' as she corrects the teleprompter live on air and says 'WOMEN' whilst rolling her eyes at what she was reading. At least there's one BBC news presenter that has common sense. Well done Martine."