Live TV's greatest hits (and misses)
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Audiences around Australia were shocked on Thursday night to see former rugby league player Ben Ross break his arm on live television.
Ross slouched clearly in agony as a shocked Wendell Sailor swore loudly before going to check on his opponent, who was taken to Royal North Hospital by one of the show's producers.
Usually, it is nowhere near this graphic, but Ross’s shocking television appearance is far from the first time live TV has shown up some unexpected events.
Grant Denyer passes out
It must be tricky doing breakfast television. Waking up at such an early hour would make anyone wipe the sleep from their eyes, but former Sunrise presenter Grant Denyer took it a bit too far – passing out cold during a trip in a stunt plane. The vision went viral around the world.
Reporter suffers suspected stroke
Serene Branson from CBS became a viral sensation after mangling a cross from the Grammy Awards. Fears quickly emerged that she may have suffered a stroke on air, however, the bizarre incident was later attributed to the sudden onset of a migraine.
Time to bug out
Television doesn’t even need to be live to present some odd challenges, as one US TV reporter found out this week when she was beset by cicadas while trying to record a report. She’s going viral too now, after the footage became public.
The Price is exactly right
Game shows have been responsible for more awkward moments than breakfast TV though – like that time when the US version of the Price is Right accidentally gave away a car.
Pop star caught faking it
Live variety shows have had their share of problems too, like the time Pop music footnote Ashlee Simpson was caught out lip syncing on Saturday Night Live.
Host walks out of his own show
David Letterman had a long and storied career as a late night television host, but few guests ever managed to convince him to walk off of his own show. Despite claims of a set up, Letterman has long insisted Back to the Future star Crispin Glover had gone rogue when he swung a wild kick at the host’s head in 1987.
