Winter Olympics 2018: Freezing conditions in South Korea have left BBC presenters struggling to talk after their make-up freezes to their face

'Even the skis are struggling to cope. My Samsung dies too. And my wireless headphones. It’s a clear indication we should be inside rather than outside'

Temperatures have reached -23C in South Korea, prompting claims it could be the coldest Winter Olympics in 20 years (BBC)

Extreme temperatures at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in South Korea have left BBC presenters struggling to speak after their water-based make-up froze to their faces.

After arriving to begin presenting the weekend coverage, television reporters were forced to use oil-based make-up which would resist the frost.

Temperatures in PyeongChang dropped to -7C on Monday amid reports the games are set to be the coldest in 20 years.

BBC presenter Amy Williams, the former skeleton racer and Olympic gold medallist, tweeted: “So anyone know of good make up that is oil based?

“Our latest update from other presenters in PyeongChang, Korea for the Winter Olympics is that water based make up literally is freezing on your face it’s that cold! #help #facefreeze.”

Temperatures have reached -23C in South Korea, which has led to the broadcaster’s electronic equipment failing to operate.

Fellow BBC presenter Eilidh Barbour tweeted: “Will PyeongChang be too cold even for a Winter Olympics? It’s not just me looking for the blankets.

"Even the skis are struggling to cope. My Samsung dies too. And my wireless headphones. It’s a clear indication we should be inside rather than outside.”

It comes after a British skier, Andrew Musgrave, skipped the opening ceremony on Friday because of the freezing conditions.

However, the temperatures did not stop the Tongan cross-country skier, Pita Taufatofua, from appearing topless in his national outfit to carry his country’s flag in the main stadium, where temperatures were as low as -3C.

Pita Taufatofua appeared with just oil on his torso to ward off the cold Getty (Getty)

The athlete previously competed in taekwondo in Rio, but has since retrained as a cross-country skier.

The bleak conditions also failed to stop Team Bermuda from wearing warm-weather clothes at the ceremony.

As each country made their grand entrance into the stadium, Team Bermuda arrived in bright red shorts and blazers.