Monkey business! BBC newsreader Simon McCoy fights tears of laughter as he delivers a bizarre report on a pianist playing to a colony of macaques in Thailand
- The veteran journalist, 59, appeared to be caught off guard during the broadcast
- He was forced to stifle his laughter as he introduced and concluded segment
- Mr McCoy has since posted on Twitter: ‘It was the elephant mention that did it’
BBC newsreader Simon McCoy struggled to maintain his composure today as he delivered a bizarre report on a pianist playing to a colony of monkeys in Thailand.
The London-born veteran journalist, 59, appeared to be caught off-guard as he introduced the bizarre segment from the studio.
He was forced to stifle a laugh at the beginning before being too overcome by giggles to speak at the end of the segment – leaving viewers delighted.
BBC newsreader Simon McCoy struggled to maintain his composure today as he delivered a bizarre report on a pianist playing to a colony of monkeys in Thailand
Mr McCoy introduced the piece with a usual wry smirk, explaining: ‘A British musician has been playing to monkeys at historical sites in Thailand to raise awareness of their hunger.’
The clip cut to Paul Barton sat at the piano – but the journalist’s voice waivered as he tried to contain his giggles throughout the piece.
He went on to reveal that the musician had previously entertained elephants at retirement sanctuaries with renditions of Bach, Schubert, Chopin and Beethoven – which was the final straw.
As the camera cut back to the studio, Mr McCoy was seen fighting back tears of laughter, pursing his lips and desperately looking away from the camera.
His voice faltered once again as he quickly passed over to weatherman Matt Taylor.
As the camera cut back to the studio, Mr McCoy was seen fighting back tears of laughter, pursing his lips and desperately looking away from the camera
Fans were quick to jump on social media to pick up on the bizarre segment delivered by the veteran journalist
Fans who enjoyed the amusing moment were quick to jump on social media, with one writing: ‘When news anchors lose it #SimonMcCoy #bbcnews.’
Another added: ‘As if this charming “music & monkeys” story wasn’t joy enough for a November day… @BBCSimonMcCoy’s response really topped it off.’
And a third joked: ‘I admire how much the staff at BBC News are trying to troll Simon McCoy. I really do.’
Mr McCoy has since taken to his own Twitter feed to confirm: ‘It was the elephant mention that did it… Chopin and Bach… I couldn’t go on…’
Mr McCoy has since taken to his own Twitter feed to confirm: ‘It was the elephant mention that did it… Chopin and Bach… I couldn’t go on…’