Phillip Schofield's paedophile list was a blunder - but he's not the first presenter to err on live TV. Here are the top gaffes you might have missed
When the red light's on, there's always the potential for trouble
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Somewhere in the ITV headquarters, lawyers are fretting. Phillip Schofield’s blunder on live TV today - in which the This Morning presenter unintentionally flashed a list of alleged Tory paedophiles to viewers - could land the station with some uncomfortable lawsuits.
Schofield did mean to ambush David Cameron, but as he reached over to give the Prime Minister his sensational list, the side showing names passed briefly in front of a camera – broadcasting the identities of at least five men to the nation. This kind of stunt could lead to a national frenzy, said Cameron.
"There is a danger if we are not careful that this can turn into a sort of witch hunt, particularly about people who are gay, and I'm worried about the sort of thing you are doing right now, taking a list of names off the internet."
You can make your view known on whether Schofield was right to present the list at all on our poll.
But ranked on potential for 1) rabble-rousing and 2) legal fees, there's no question the presenter's slip sits high on the all-time TV gaffe leader-board. To make it to that number one spot though, Schofield has to beat off competition from this lot of less than professional colleagues...
1. Mistaken identity
Sit back and assess the situation. You're on the news as an expert. And you don't have a bloody clue.
2. I’m sorry, who are you?
Everyone's been here. But Joanna Gosling manages a brain-freeze with remarkable grace.
3. Grammy reporter goes off script
Did she have a small stroke? Is she drunk? Is this what happened in the Tower of Babel?
4. Taking a poll
You know how news reporters can walk while keeping their eyes on the camera? Well sometimes they can't.
5. They killed who?
More Freudian slip than genuine blunder, a Fox anchor confuses the President with the world's most wanted terrorist.
6. Letting it all out
Keeping a straight face is part and parcel of reading the news. But models falling over? That stuff's like kryptonite.
7. Oh wait, that's not Wyclef Jean
On election night, a reporter fails on current affairs, musical knowledge, and racial sensitivity all at the same time.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments