BBC Breakfast was halted for a ‘breaking news’ announcement on Friday’s episode.
During the latest episode, Charlie Stayt and Rachel Burden paused their hosting duties to hear the latest breaking news fresh in from their colleague Peter Ruddick.
Peter revealed that the average annual household bill will rise to £1738 in January, saying: “We knew that bills were going to go up slightly in January”, adding: “Now we know the exact details.
“Good morning everyone, as I say on Monday we reported the final forecast but now we know for sure so we are talking about an increase to the price cap of £21 a year. So it’s going to go up from £1717 to £1738 so an increase as I say of £21. Remember this will apply between January and March. It applies to default or standard variable tariffs if you pay by direct debit.
“Remember, that £1738 figure you can see on the screen there it is not a maximum amount you’ll pay, it’s a calculation based on an average. Typical usage. You use more, you pay more. Let’s put that figure in context, it’s still a lot lower than at the height of the energy crisis but it’s still higher than before Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine.
“The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, told this programme that this is likely to be a new normal. Government policies will bring bills down eventually.”
Elsewhere on Friday’s show, regular host Naga Munchetty appeared to be replaced by presenter Rachel for the episode. Taking to Twitter, now X, before the show Rachel penned: “Hanging out on the sofa this morning with @ruddick (pictured) and Charlie (not pictured).
“Talking about… . Energy price cap . Laos poisoning . Leaseholds . #StormBert And @ArmatradingJoan will be joining us in the studio before 8. @BBCBreakfast.”
Rachel’s 104.1K followers were quick to reply to the post as one person said: “Good morning Rachel, Charlie & all!”, a different account wrote: “Good Morning to you all on this snowy, icy day!” while another viewer penned: “Always good to see you on the red sofa!”