BBC Breakfast’s Sally Nugent Apologizes for News Disruption

On December 1, 2025, viewers of BBC Breakfast experienced a disruption in programming as host Sally Nugent issued an on-air apology for the cancellation of news bulletins following a fire at the BBC’s Glasgow headquarters. The incident prompted the evacuation of staff and temporarily halted regular broadcast services.

Fire at BBC Glasgow Headquarters

During the morning broadcast, Nugent addressed the audience just before a scheduled news segment, explaining that the fire alarm had been triggered at approximately 06:30 local time at the Pacific Quay site. Nugent stated, “Now, just before we get the news where you are, we just want to extend an apology to viewers in Scotland where bulletins have been taken off air this morning following a fire at the BBC’s Glasgow headquarters.”

Her co-host, Jon, added that the team in Scotland expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response. He noted, “They’re working to ensure the safety of colleagues and restore TV and radio services as soon as possible.”

Footage aired during the broadcast showed a fire engine outside the building, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Nugent reassured viewers, saying, “So, if you think you are seeing the wrong news this morning, that is why, we are working really hard to get things back on track and keep everybody safe.”

Response and Recovery Efforts

According to statements from the BBC, the fire originated in a plant room within the Glasgow headquarters. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and managed to extinguish the fire, allowing for a safe evacuation of all personnel. The BBC confirmed that the premises were evacuated for a period of two hours.

As a result of the incident, BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast was taken off air, replaced by pre-recorded music until services could be restored. Additionally, breakfast television news bulletins from Scotland were suspended due to the disruption.

The BBC released a statement thanking the emergency services for their prompt action and emphasized their commitment to the safety of all staff. “We’re working hard to ensure the safety of all of our colleagues and will restore our regular services on-air as soon as we can,” the statement read.

Despite the challenges faced that morning, BBC Breakfast continued to provide updates and engage with viewers, illustrating the resilience of the broadcasting team during unexpected emergencies. The programme, which airs daily from 06:00 on BBC One, aims to resume normalcy as quickly as possible in the aftermath of the incident.