It was late on a Saturday night – April 8, to be exact – when newsreader Natasha Exelby’s career changed forever.
One moment, she was carefully examining her pen as a pre-recorded news package went to air. The next, she had become a viral internet sensation.
That’s because, as she carefully eyed her biro, the camera turned back on without notice, and the accomplished presenter was sprung unawares mid-reverie. Her awkward work-stuff up was broadcast to the entire nation.
“I knew that quite a few journalists and people in the media had my back but I still grapple with how many people who have such busy lives were tweeting to support me,” she said.
The journalist, presenter and now media consultant realised her ‘stuff-up’ had struck a chord with viewers all over the world because, finally, the news was giving them “something to laugh about”.
“It made people smile… If I made people laugh or brought 10 seconds of relief to their day then I’m happy to help,” she said.
And we’re all still smiling about it a whole year later. Thanks, Natasha.