Nina Warhurst made a return to the telly on Friday (March 14), presenting BBC Breakfast with co-host Charlie Stayt.
The duo delivered a packed episode, covering everything from the latest in politics to star-studded interviews.
A significant chunk of Friday’s BBC Breakfast was devoted to The Cheltenham Festival, with the much-anticipated Gold Cup race set for later that day. Weather segments from the racecourse by Matt Taylor were interspersed throughout the programme, and Mike Bushell provided all the fresh Cheltenham updates.
In a live segment from the racecourse, Mike Bushell had the honour of holding the Gold Cup and delved into its storied past. As he began his piece, Nina couldn’t help but make a playful dig at her colleague.
“Operations are underway for the Gold Cup,” she quipped. “I can’t believe they’ve given it to Mike! Not with his track record.”
Caught off guard, a stunned Mike retorted: “What do you mean? ! What? ! What are you saying Nina?!” before erupting into laughter.
Broadcasting from the racecourse backdrop, with horses and jockeys in view, Mike continued to share details about the Gold Cup, proudly displaying it for the camera, reports the Express.
“They have entrusted me indeed with the Gold Cup itself. As, some of the horses and jockeys that are hoping to lift this later on go past me on this fine morning on this Gold Cup day,” Mike explained.
He further commented: “Yes, it’s rather small but it’s one of the most prestigious and precious trophies in any sport in the world. Remember it went missing, it was lost in a bank vault for years! Until, it was reunited with the course back in 2018.”
The light-hearted exchange between Nina and Mike followed an earlier mishap involving weather presenter Matt during a live broadcast from Cheltenham racecourse.
While attempting to deliver a weather update, technical difficulties resulted in a loss of sound, leaving viewers at home unable to hear him. Charlie had to step in to address the error and swiftly apologised, before reassuring BBC viewers that they would hear from Matt again later in the programme.
BBC Breakfast airs on weekdays at at 6am on BBC One