News presenter Lucrezia Millarini has been praised for keeping ITV news afloat after the network suffered a system crash.
Viewers demanded that she was awarded an MBE after the journalist continued reading the news after the autocue dropped out.
The news programme came on at its usual 6pm slot today, but many viewers in London noticed that it switched to Meridien News.
One viewer took to Twitter and said: "What’s happened to the London news. Its switched to Meridien!"
Some noticed that the presenter was reporting from sheets of paper in front of her after her autocue stopped working.
Another wrote: "Hats off to @LucreziaNews this evening on @ITVNews.
"There’s a major fault which is causing technical difficulties, in which it fell off air but just about made it back on @ ITV. No headlines or opening, only one fixed camera, and no autocue with reading off paper scripts."
"@lucrezianews now THAT’S professionalism on tonight’s @itvnews!!" another added.
One wrote: "Obvs the #autocue has gone down but she handled it as if nothing happened at all….and that’s the mark of a true pro!
"Not many could do that!"
One viewer even said: "Give @lucrezianews an MBE for doing this without an autocue in these circumstances!!!"
TV Zone reported that the ITN Studio in London said it was a "race against time" to get the show back on air for 6.30pm.
The TV news account said that they experienced technical issues at ITN HQ.
The Mirror has approached ITV for comment.
Lucrezia tweeted shortly after her airtime: "Homes are on fire and emergency services are tackling wildfires across England, with major incidents declared in London and Leicestershire - it is the hottest day on record. The latest on @ITVEveningNews at 6.30 #Heatwave2022 #extremeheat #wildfires #recordtemperatures."
She also tackled climate change deniers on Twitter today after the country saw record temperatures of 40C.
Fires have been blazing across the UK, placing huge strain on firefighters, destroying homes and killing wildlife.
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One follower criticised ITV's use of the term "Heat Apocalypse", hinting that there was a level of sensationalism, adding: "Really cmon you're better than that...."
To which she clapped back: "It’s how it’s being described in a Europe where temps are hitting mid 40s and wildfires are forcing thousands to flee their homes. Sure, it’s all the media ‘making it up’. You’re better than that, Dickie…"
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