BBC Breakfast was suddenly forced off air on Saturday morning as an alarm begin to sound in the studio. Roger Johnson and Rachel Burden were in the midst of hosting the news programme from the BBC's Salford-based studio when they were interrupted by what sounded like a smoke alarm.
They were talking to the latest winner of The Apprentice, Harpreet Kaur, who was discussing her time on the BBC One reality show and bagging Lord Alan Sugar's £250,000 investment into her dessert business after the final aired earlier this week.
A noise suddenly began to sound with the hosts and guest looking slightly confused. Rachel said: "We've been disturbed by..." the sound briefly stopped before an automated voice began to speak and Rachel continued: "an alarm."
"Attention, Attention. Please evacuate from the nearest possible exit," the voice was heard saying. "Aww, Harpreet. I'm so sorry," Roger said to the programme's guest.
"I'm so sorry everyone. For the time being we're going to have to leave the studio," Rachel explained. As the noise loudly rang out, Roger added: "We're so sorry... We think we've gone off air, but we don't know." He added: "If you're watching, Thank you for watching."
"Goodbye," Roger continued to say. "This is where we say goodbye," he repeated as Rachel also added a 'goodbye' before the feed live to the studio was removed and replaced with an orange 'BBC Breakfast' branded screen.
Broadcast journalist James Hoggarth tweeted a clip of the moment and said: "Worrying times for my #BBC colleagues in Salford - I hope it’s a false alarm. BBC Breakfast ends abruptly."
Viewers also quickly took to social media to express their concern as they tuned unto the news programme on Saturday morning.
@HelenLusher tweeted: "I hope all is well. That was a bit alarming, I don't think I've ever seen anything on their live broadcast before. Hope it's all ok."
"#bbc #BBC News #bbcBreakfast. Oh dear. Fire alarm going off live on BBC Breakfast. Gone off air. Hope everyone is okay," @77wonder commented.
@Teagirl421 added: "I've never seen this happen before - I guess it's a problem in every business! Hope everything is fine and they just get a few minutes in the sun #BBCBreakfast."
However, Rachel soon shared an update on Twitter. "It’s all ok folks - false alarm and yes I did get some cookie pie and get to chat to the fabulous@harpsikaur @BBCBreakfast," she said alongside a picture of herself posing with Harpreet and her sweet treat.
