BBC news presenter admits he ‘couldn’t resist’ after sparking frenzy flirting on camera

| Deputy TV editor Published August 14, 2026 9:59am Updated August 14, 2026 10:35am To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A BBC news anchor ‘couldn’t resist’ the opportunity to tease his co-worker during a live broadcast, and it has sent the internet into shock. Rich Preston was hosting a news segment on the fifth European heatwave when he threw to his colleague Nick Beak in Brussels. Rather than just introducing Nick in the same old boring way, however, Rich decided to have some fun. ‘Let’s speak now to our foreign correspondent Nick Beak, who’s in Brussels,’ he began. ‘Nick, you’re looking hot this morning; how’s the picture across Europe?’ Before offering his hot take (pun intended) on the weather, Nick could be seen slightly smirking and was clearly amused by his colleague’s cheeky wordplay. Rich couldn’t help but make a cheeky joke (Picture: BBC News) Following the broadcast, the clip was noticed by TV clip mastermind and critic Scott Byran, who shared it on X and Instagram along with the caption ‘outrageous flirting on BBC News’. Soon after, Rich replied on Instagram, joking that ‘he couldn’t resist’. The flirty banter went down well with fans online, many of whom shared their amusement in the Instagram comment section. Chrizszd wrote: ‘He knew what he was doing’. While Luizedu.pex joked: ‘The BBC fulfils its mandate for unbiased, truthful reporting.’ Nick seemed amused by his colleagues’ fun (Picture: BBC News) On X, meanwhile, @matthew_inaus laughed: ‘Hahaha well played @RichPreston’ and @willdofficiale wrote: ‘Love this. Cheeky cheeky.’ Sadly for those penning a great romance story in their minds (Perhaps, it could be called Heated Broadcast), we have some bad news. Rich is, in fact, married, which might get in the way of any future romances. Latest heatwave news and guidance The clip also reminded some users of a rather less successful attempt at flirting involving Sky Sports presenters Derek Thompson and Robert Cooper, known to many as Sir Bob. While Sir Bob was reporting from Hereford, Derek was in the studio and noted: ‘Oh you’ve been joined by a beautiful lady.’ There was just one problem: the person who was with Sir Bob wasn’t a ‘beautiful lady’; it was a man. With perfect comedy timing, Sir Bob replied: ‘It’s a man, actually, Derek.’ Awkward… maybe Derek could get some tips from Rich. Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you Arrow MORE: Full list of all 42 London bus routes affected by heatwave strikes this weekend Arrow MORE: Are you a Soaps superfan? Test your knowledge with Metro’s weekly quiz Arrow MORE: BBC star and Olympian shares horrifying photo of bloody chest drain after ‘lung collapses’ TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.