BBC Breakfast branded 'car crash' as awkward interview has fans fuming

BBC Breakfast fans weren't impressed by a "car crash" interview on the morning programme, as novelist Lynda La Plante took to the red sofa to discuss her latest book release. Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt were grilling her about the new novel, but things got awkward right away when Naga failed to remember the name of the TV show La Plante was famous for writing.

In an awkward exchange, she started: "In the book, when you have the forensic expert come in who runs the team and has this history, there is a little bit of discomfort in terms of how the team responds - old-fashioned police work to this new-fangled technology. When you were writing for, erm... Oh my goodness, how have I just..."

Charlie chimed in to supply the name, which was Prime Suspect, as Naga forged ahead: "Prime Suspect, thank you. DNA was only just kind of coming in. I just wonder, when you talk to these DNA experts [on the podcast] are they much more integrated than they perhaps once were? Is it just the new way of policing now that's just accepted?"

Lynda seemed a little bemused as she replied: "Absolutely," explaining that they would be reprimanded if any abusive words were said.

Later, Naga awkwardly asked: "Do you ever- I often avoid crime and murder novels because I get squeamish, but this isn't- this isn't too much for me. I can only speak for myself. Do you ever think there's a limit? Would you ever go too far in terms of description and squeamishness?"

Lynda clarified: "A limit of the horror?" before answering: "I think there is my own limit. We can give a name to virtually every reason for a crime, you can say they had a horrible background, an abused child, or psychological problems, but there is no-one that can ever say 'This is what made evil'. We haven't got it.

"Why do evil, horrific things happen? There is no absolute perfect description of why somebody turns evil. Because it's breakfast, I won't go into the horrific details that are in the press right now!"

Charlie interrupted to say: "We're almost out of time. Do you think you would have made a good detective yourself?" - but Lynda insisted she would be "dreadful", adding: "I talk too much and I think I'd get awfully upset."

Fans on X weren't impressed by the segment, as one tweeted: "Never ever let Charlie ad-lib. F***ing disaster every single time."

Another posted: "Who needs to go to the Edinburgh Festival when you get a clown show every day in Salford on BBC Breakfast?" While another said: "Car crash interviews with Naga and Charlie. Episode 456."

"Nice chat over your cornflakes!" someone else added sarcastically.