Live television can be unpredictable, and GB News presenter Stephen Dixon experienced this firsthand
when a technical mishap forced him to issue an apology during a live broadcast.
The incident occurred on the channel’s breakfast show
when Dixon, who was responsible for controlling the autocue, forgot to press the button, causing an awkward pause in the news delivery.
Autocue Mishap Causes On-Air Gaffe
The blunder took place during the 8 a.m. news bulletin, where Dixon’s co-host Aidan McGee was delivering the top headlines of the hour.
As Aidan read the script, viewers noticed his delivery slowing down, appearing hesitant as he struggled to keep up with the text.
When the camera returned to the studio, Stephen Dixon was seen mopping his brow while fellow presenter Ellie Costello watched on, amused by the situation. Dixon quickly admitted his mistake, explaining to viewers that he had failed to operate the autocue correctly.
Laughing at the mix-up, he said, “I noticed Aidan was slowing down in his headlines because I wasn’t actually giving him the words to read.” He then added, “At the very top [of the hour], I do apologise, but the entire production team is laughing at me, which is very hard to concentrate when they’re all laughing in your ear.”
Dixon Takes the Blunder in Stride
Stephen Dixon, an experienced broadcaster, handled the mishap with good humor, choosing to make light of the situation rather than let it derail the show. He continued joking about it, saying, “At least we’re having a bit of a laugh. This is quite nice, isn’t it, for 8 o’clock on a Friday morning?”
His cheerful mood may have also been influenced by an upcoming personal milestone—his birthday. Dixon revealed that he was celebrating his birthday on Saturday, March 1, which may have contributed to his lively and distracted state.
A Lighter Moment in a Busy Broadcast
The amusing technical slip-up offered a lighthearted moment amid a morning filled with serious political discussions. Earlier in the program, co-host Ellie Costello had confronted Health Secretary Wes Streeting about his stance on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential visit to the UK.
During the exchange, Ellie reminded Streeting that in 2017, he had strongly opposed Trump’s state visit, even urging people to sign a petition against it. However, with recent news that the King had invited Trump for a second state visit, Ellie questioned whether Streeting had changed his opinion.
“Yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer flattered President Trump with a historic second state visit, an invitation from the King. Donald Trump said he was honoured by it,” she said. “I’m just wondering what you thought about that, because in 2017 you signed and urged people to sign a petition to prevent Donald Trump from seeking the state visit to the United Kingdom. Looking back, do you think you were wrong to do that?”
Streeting, appearing slightly uncomfortable, responded, “Well, I definitely won’t be doing that this time.” He then pivoted, explaining that the UK needed to maintain good relations with the U.S. and work together for mutual benefit.
A Smooth Recovery
Despite the momentary hiccup, the GB News breakfast show continued without further issues. Dixon, known for his professionalism, quickly regained his composure and ensured the broadcast ran smoothly. Meanwhile, Aidan McGee, the unintended victim of the mistake, took it in stride, laughing along with his colleagues.
Live television presents challenges that even the most seasoned presenters can’t always anticipate. Dixon’s ability to laugh off the blunder and move forward showcased his experience and quick thinking, turning an awkward moment into an entertaining highlight for viewers.
Fans React to the On-Air Blunder
Viewers who tuned in to the show took to social media to share their amusement over the technical error. Many praised Dixon’s handling of the situation, with one viewer tweeting, “Stephen Dixon forgetting to press the autocue button was TV gold. At least he owned up to it and made us all laugh!”
Another commented, “Live TV at its finest! Aidan McGee struggling with the headlines while the production team is cracking up in the background—brilliant start to the morning.”
Others appreciated the camaraderie between the presenters, with one fan noting, “You can tell the GB News team gets along well. The way they all just laughed it off made it even funnier.”
Dixon’s Broadcasting Legacy
Stephen Dixon has been a familiar face on British television for years, known for his work on GB News and his previous tenure at Sky News. His ability to navigate unexpected situations with humor and professionalism has made him a respected figure in broadcasting.
While the autocue mishap may have momentarily thrown him off course, it ultimately provided a lighthearted moment that reminded viewers of the unpredictable nature of live television.
As Dixon celebrates his birthday and continues his career on GB News, fans can expect more engaging broadcasts—hopefully with fewer technical blunders next time!
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