Scottish politician doesn't realise she's on live TV, asks to start over

 By 
Sam Haysom
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

LONDON -- When it comes to awkward on-screen moments, live television is the gift that keeps on giving.

Usually it's the presenter making the gaffe -- whether it's an anchor caught on camera brushing their hair, a blue whale embarrassing a BBC presenter on a boat, or a robot swearing at two newsreaders -- but every now and then an interviewee will make a delicious slip-up too.

Enter SNP education minister Angela Constance, who grabbed attention on the BBC's Sunday Politics Scotland show by asking if she could re-do one of her answers after stumbling over her words -- failing to realise the programme was actually being broadcast live.

A car crash interview from Angela Constance on #bbcsp and here's the SNP MSP's moment of impact. pic.twitter.com/4lIXbzoD7M— Orkney Conservatives (@Orkneytories) November 1, 2015


Here's a full transcription of the moment.

Angela Constance: "We have to remember that in twenty thousand and twelve... sorry, can I... *chuckles awkwardly*... 2012... sorry, are we able to do that again?

Presenter Gordon Brewer: "Yep."

AC: "I've just said twenty thousand and twelve, which is..."

GB: "Alright, 2012, off you go."

AC: "Okay, okay."

GB: "We are live."

AC: "..."

[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]

Here's an extreme slow-motion of the exact moment Angela realises what she's done.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In fairness to Constance, she managed to laugh the whole thing off and move on pretty quickly.

"I thought it was a pre-record, forgive me," she said, before launching back into her answer about higher education policy.

By that point, though, it was already all over Twitter.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!