BBC news presenter shows comedic fear of snakes while reporting on a serpent-related story. Ben Thompson, a 41-year-old journalist for BBC, had to overcome his deep-seated fear of snakes as he delivered a live report on a colossal python. The unfortunate assignment involved covering the discovery of the largest python ever recorded in Florida, complete with terrifying footage of a man capturing the massive reptile. Throughout the broadcast, Thompson couldn’t help but conceal his face behind his scripts, nervously laughing as he admitted his discomfort in sharing the story. He even advised viewers who shared his fear of snakes to look away.
As the video clip played and millions of viewers watched, Thompson’s unease was evident. With his face partially hidden behind his script, he bravely soldiered on, acknowledging his fear by saying, “I’ve been told if you have a fear of snakes to look away now, so I’m not quite sure how I can tell you this next story because I hate snakes.” Despite his anxious demeanor, he managed to share the story of The Glades Boys, a Florida duo who captured the record-breaking Burmese python, weighing 125lbs and measuring 19 feet in length.
Thompson’s approach to dealing with his snake phobia while reporting received mixed reactions on social media. Some empathized with his fear, with one user expressing relief that they were not alone in being unable to watch the snake footage. Others shared their own harrowing experiences, demonstrating how widespread and relatable the fear of snakes can be. Meanwhile, the journalist found humor in his own reaction to the assignment and playfully shared the link to the terrifying moment on Twitter. His fellow BBC colleague, Clare Casey, also joined in the laughter, applauding his unique way of handling the challenging story.
When you have to report news about snakes but you are terrified of snakes pic.twitter.com/LMjnOrWSm0
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) July 17, 2023
