Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty took on hosting duties (Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt was left a tad red-faced following the mix-up.
During Friday’s (April 10) episode of the hit show, Charlie and Naga Munchetty made a return to our TV screens as they presented the day’s top stories from the UK and beyond.
However, it took an awkward turn when the duo welcomed Death In Paradise star Ralf Little onto the show to talk about his new lead role in the touring production of John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came In from the Cold.
Just moments before the interview, Matt Taylor, who was missing from the studio, presented the latest weather forecast live from the Aintree Racecourse for Ladies Day.
Following his reports, Charlie made a blunder by accidentally mixing up Matt and Ralf’s names.
Ralf Little appeared on BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)
While in the studio, Charlie said, “Ralf, thank you very much.” Realising that he made a mistake, he pointed out: “I said ‘Ralf thank you very much’ how confusing Matt – I’ll explain. Matt, thank you very much.”
The Breakfast host explained, “The reason I said thank you, Ralf, to Matt is because Ralf is here.”
Ralf jumped in: “Sorry about that, Matt.” Attempting to continue on with the show, Charlie went on: “Ralf Little is with us in the studio, Matt. I’m just trying to choreograph things. Apologies all around.”
Addressing the shake-up, Naga admitted: “It’s quite unusual to have Matt there, and for us to have a guest in here, it’s quite confusing.”
Ralf joked: “It’s confused everyone. It confuses me. We’re all confused.” Charlie jumped in: “Let’s clear it up, you’re here.” Ralf added, “And Matt is there.”
Charlie suffered a blunder live on-air(Image: BBC)
Charlie quickly moved his attention back to Ralf as he said, “So you’re here to talk about the theatre production you’re involved in at the moment, John le Carré.”
The actor is set to star in John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came In from the Cold. He has landed the lead role as Alec Leamas, a disillusioned British intelligence officer who is “weary, hardened, and ready to come in from the cold.”
The play’s synopsis adds: “But when Control, the Chief of the Circus, presents one final mission — dangerous, deceptive, and deeply personal — Leamas agrees to stay in the game.
“Dispatched into enemy territory, he finds his convictions tested and his defences breached by Liz Gold, a quietly defiant librarian whose compassion threatens to thaw his frostbitten heart. And what of veteran spymaster George Smiley? What is his role in the operation?”
The production marks the first time one of le Carré’s novels has been adapted for the stage, with David Eldridge penning the script. Directing is Jeremy Herrin, with Joe Lichtenstein taking on Tour Director duties.
The tour kicked off on 12 March at Curve, Leicester, and will visit 21 venues across the UK.
