Celebrities

BBC Breakfast Viewers Stunned as Live Inflation Bombshell Leaves Studio Reeling

Published on July 17, 2025

There was a serious shift in mood on BBC Breakfast this Wednesday morning as presenter Jon Kay delivered some surprise breaking news live on air — and it wasn’t just his co-host Sally Nugent who looked alarmed.

As the program ticked along with its usual mix of headlines, weather from Carol Kirkwood and sport from Hugh Ferris, things suddenly took a turn when Jon paused to share some major economic news that had just landed.

“We’ve just had the latest update on how quickly prices are rising in the UK,” he said, before quickly handing over to BBC reporter Peter Ruddick to explain more, reported the Daily Record.

And what followed wasn’t exactly the kind of news anyone was hoping to hear first thing in the morning. “Yeah, another reminder of the continuing price pressure on households this morning, Jon,” Peter said, grimly.

“In the past few moments, we found out that inflation, the way we measure the rising cost of living, was 3.6% in June. We have been expecting these figures to be 3.4%, the same rate as in May, so these figures this morning are quite concerning.”

It’s not just a small bump either. Peter explained that while the 3.6% is an average, some things are rising by more — and many essentials have seen the biggest jump.

Food prices, in particular, have gone up 4.5% — the sharpest rise since February last year — with staples like bread, meat, milk and cheese driving the increase. “These figures this morning are a headache, mainly, of course, for households still struggling with the rising cost of living,” he added. “But also for the Bank of England, which tries to keep inflation nearer 2%.”

And with inflation running hotter than expected, the heat is now also on the government. As Peter pointed out, “it’s yet more pressure on the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Jon, as we look ahead to a very big budget speech in the autumn.”

Reeves quickly responded to the figures, acknowledging that many people are still feeling the squeeze. “Working people are still struggling with the cost of living,” she said.

She highlighted steps the government has already taken, including boosting the national minimum wage for three million workers, introducing free breakfast clubs in every primary school and keeping the £3 bus fare cap in place. But she admitted that more work lies ahead.

“There is more to do,” Reeves said, adding that she’s committed to “deliver on our Plan for Change to put more money into people’s pockets.”

Elsewhere on BBC Breakfast last week, things were a bit more light-hearted when Naga Munchetty couldn’t stop laughing during a live segment. As she and Charlie Stayt welcomed author Adam Kay to talk about his new children’s book, she got completely tongue-tied over the title.

Charlie introduced the segment with a straight face, “Having worked as a doctor, Adam Kay often draws on medical themes for his comedy and writing. His latest feature book aimed at children is no different.”

Then came Naga’s moment — or so she thought. “Simon Gets Sneezed—” she began, then abruptly stopped, losing it completely and laughing live on air. Charlie had to step in to keep the show moving as the studio cracked up.

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