Ben Thompson was fronting the flagship news programme on Sunday morning
BBC Breakfast host Ben Thompson offered viewers a rare glimpse into his personal life during his presenting stint on Sunday morning (March 29).
The TV star opened up hot on the heels of a segment about youth unemployment, which is now at its highest level in over a decade. The BBC met a number of 16 and 17-year-olds who were struggling to secure a weekend job.
“They don’t accept you if you don’t have work experience, but how are you going to get that work experience if nobody lets you get it,” said one young interviewee, adding: “It makes me feel like I’m not wanted.”
They also heard from coffee shop owner, Neil Wyatt, who explained why businesses maybe averse to younger hires. He explained: “We love having young people around because they bring energy, they bring life but you’re taking on perhaps a little bit more of a risk than someone who is already established in the jobs market.”
He continued: “Every young person you take on, particularly when they’re at the lower end of the kind of 16 to 18-year-old spectrum, they’re going to need a bit more time and attention than someone whose already been there, seen it and done the job.”
Following the news article, Ben appealed to viewers at home to share memories of their own weekend jobs and opened up about his own early work experience in a rare personal admission.
“Do let us know your memories of your first weekend jobs,” he started, before admitting: “Mine was watering hanging baskets in a garden centre, so let us know whether you did anything more exciting, and maybe any thoughts about how young people maybe get their foot in their door when it comes to getting a first job.”
There was a shake-up to the usual BBC Breakfast this morning with Ben hosting the show alone. Usually there are two presenters on the red sofa, and while Naga Munchetty was present for Saturday’s broadcast, she was notably absent from the Sunday show.
The duo struggled to contain their laughter yesterday during a segment on a novel new seagull deterrent: googly eyes. BBC News reporter Jake Zuckerman tested out the theory that stick-on eyes could stop the birds snatching food by attaching them to takeaway boxes, doughnuts and ice cream.
As the camera panned back to the studio, Ben was forced to cover his mouth as he tried to stifle his laughter, while Naga also had a hard time keeping a straight face.
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
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