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Almost a week after her son interrupted a live interview to politely ask for two biscuits, Sky News foreign affairs editor Deborah Haynes has upped the security levels in her home office. (Well, she did used to be defence editor.)
During an appearance on Sky News on Tuesday morning, presenter Kay Burley asked Haynes why there was a bench blocking the door behind her, to which Haynes grinned and replied: “Potentially there is a small child on the other side of that door, currently playing with cars. I can hear him.
“I did tell him not to come in, but just in case, I thought I’d put a bench there because he did make an impromptu appearance last week.”
Haynes is, of course, referring to the incident last Wednesday when her young son walked in during a live report on the new security law in Hong Kong to ask for not one but two biscuits.
“Hold on that’s my son arriving, really embarrassing,” Haynes said at the time.
“Can I have two biscuits,” her son asked, to which Haynes replied: “Yes, you can have two biscuits, really sorry about that.”
Sky presenter Mark Austin swiftly ended his colleague’s segment, saying: “We’ll leave Deborah Haynes in full flow there with some family duties… but that’s what happens during lockdown.”
The young boy was later praised for his negotiating skills, especially so close to dinner time.
On the same day, another youngster interrupted a live BBC News interview, striking up a conversation with the newsreader.
Dr Clare Wenham from the London School of Economics (LSE) was being interviewed about the Covid-19 pandemic at home when her daughter Scarlett appeared – talking loudly and even climbing on top of the expert’s desk.
“Mummy, where do you want this picture?” Scarlett went on to ask her mother, brandishing a frame that appeared to depict a unicorn, which she’d picked up from a shelf behind Dr Wenham.
In response, presenter Christian Fraser commented: “Scarlett, I think it looks better on the lower shelf… and it’s a lovely unicorn.”
Overhearing the newsreader, Scarlett then asked: “Mummy, what’s his name?”
“My name is Christian,” replied Fraser. Scarlett responded: “Christian, I’m just deciding where it can go and where mummy wants it to go.”
“I think just on that shelf is great, thank you,” said Dr Wenham – before turning back to the camera and adding “I’m so sorry”.