A regular helping of banter between BBC Look North presenter Peter Levy and weatherman Paul Hudson has become an expected feature of the local news show.
But a conversation about coasters that have been produced showing Peter on one side, and Paul on the other – and which have become sought-after by viewers – caused a stir on the BBC comedy quiz show Have I Got News For You. A picture of a young-looking Paul appeared in a part of the show where the panellists have to identify the odd one out from a selection of seemingly random photographs.
Host Victoria Coren Mitchell explained that the weatherman was the honorary Mayor of Wetwang and had told Keighley News that ”it’s worth a visit on a day trip, but if you book for week you might be a bit disappointed”, which raised some laughs, including from guest panellist Janet Street-Porter. It moved the show on to the Government’s proposal to introduce a “banter ban” in pubs, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and football grounds.
“It hasn’t reached the Look North studios,” Victoria told panel regulars Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, and fellow guest Chris McCausland. She said: “Paul is there with the presenter Peter Levy and some novelty drinks coasters have been made up with their faces on, and here’s the chat they have.”
A clip of Peter and Paul was then shown, with Peter reading out an email from viewer Ann Yates, saying: “I would love to have Paul face upwards.” There was then much laughter between the two, with Peter saying “hang on” and Paul saying: “I’m at a loss for words… carry on”.
Rocking with laughter, Peter said: “I’ve just read the next line, I can’t do it. You can have the coaster, Ann.”
With Janet giggling beside him, Paul Merton said: “If he was face upwards it would be looking north.”
Peter posted on X about the clip, saying: “I think Have I Got News For You deserve a coaster after this!” One person responded: “Was brilliant to see you both on there…. Still dying to know what the next line was that you didn’t read .
“Forgive me if you’ve already done this but you should do ‘An evening with…’ would be great maybe for #ChildreninNeed.”
Another replied: “Seen this before, it was brilliant. Love it when anchors completely lose it! I said anchors. And I love how Paul silenced the entire universe with his joke at the end there.”
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