Eye-rolling BBC News presenter changes autocue script from ‘pregnant people’ to ‘women’ in viral video

JK Rowling has praised BBC News presenter Martine Croxall after the 56-year-old appeared to swap the phrase “pregnant people” for “women” during a live broadcast.

The moment occurred during a segment yesterday (Sunday, 22 June) about new research into temperature-related deaths amid the UK’s current heatwave.

Croxall said: “Malcolm Mistry, who was involved in the research, said the aged, pregnant people… [rolls eyes] women… and those with pre-existing health conditions need to take precautions.”

Footage of the broadcast, shared widely across social media, shows Croxall rolling her eyes as she alters the phrasing.

“I have a new favourite BBC presenter” – JK Rowling

Rowling responded to the clip by posting to X (formerly Twitter), saying: “I have a new favourite BBC presenter.”

She further added: “Good to see some accuracy on BBC News, eh?”

The Harry Potter author has been vocal in her criticism of trans-inclusive language – particularly phrases like “people who menstruate” – and is in frequent online debates with the likes of trans-rights advocate India Willoughby.

Just last week, Rowling’s former friend Stephen Fry described her as a “lost cause,” reflecting what he says are the feelings of many once-close friends who now privately disagree with her.

Since, Rowling has replied to Fry’s statement on X, saying: “It is a great mistake to assume that everyone who claims to have been a friend of mine was ever considered a friend by me.”

Attitude has approached BBC News for comment.