Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

BBC presenter Victoria Fritz gives birth after reading news as co-host steps in as birthing partner

'It’s going to make a brilliant story for his 21st birthday! What an incredible day,' says her co-host

Maya Oppenheim
Wednesday 16 November 2016 14:09 GMT
Comments
BBC Breakfast presenter went into labour live minutes after going off air

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.

A BBC presenter had to be rushed to hospital after going into labour during a broadcast, forcing her co-host to step in as her birthing partner.

Victoria Fritz, who reads the business news on BBC Breakfast, appeared as normal on Tuesday morning to discuss EasyJet’s latest figures. However, soon after the cameras averted their gaze, Fritz went into labour.

Her husband Dan was stuck in traffic on the M6 which meant her co-presenter Sally Nugent had to step in as her birthing partner.

Fritz later gave birth to a baby boy at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester.

“My heartfelt thanks to Sally Nugent and St Mary's doctors and midwives who helped me deliver my little boy yesterday. A BBC Breakfast team effort!” she tweeted.

“It’s going to make a brilliant story for his 21st birthday! What an incredible day,” Nugent added.

BBC Breakfast congratulated Fritz on the news, saying that while she should have been the presenting the business part of the show, she instead had “some more exciting news to deliver!”

Fellow newsreader Naga Munchetty explained why Sean Farrington would be reading the business news instead of Fritz today, quipping that she had chosen to be “even more productive than she is in the workplace”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in