During Thursday's 4pm bulletin, Sky News presenter Jayne Secker returned to screens to share the latest headlines but fought to maintain composure, pausing briefly as if holding back a giggle. According to Daily Mail - Home, Jayne Secker described the Artemis II mission by saying, 'The wait is over! After more than half a century astronauts are finally on their way back to the moon!' She added that the astronauts were orbiting Earth and their rocket was due to change direction toward its destination, and noted that thousands had watched the launch, some traveling halfway across the world. The specific incident or news story that caused her struggle has not been confirmed, and viewer or management reactions to her performance remain unclear.
Jayne Secker hosts Sky News Today every Monday to Thursday between 1pm and 5pm, having joined the network in 2002 and started as a foreign correspondent. She previously presented alongside Colin Brazier and is the daughter of BBC Radio Newcastle broadcaster Kathy Secker, as well as a mother of two teenagers. Her career status at Sky News following these events is not publicly known, and no official statements from the network have been issued regarding her on-air performance or past comments.
The wait is over! After more than half a century astronauts are finally on their way back to the moon!
In January 2024, Secker faced criticism for her remarks about 13-year-old Willis Gibson from Oklahoma, who became the first person to beat the game Tetris after live-streaming his record-breaking effort on the original Nintendo. According to Daily Mail - Home, Jayne Secker described her advice by saying, 'As a mother I would just say step away from the screen, go outside, get some fresh air. Beating Tetris is not a life goal.' Gamers on social media branded her comments 'smug,' with gaming journalist Chris Scullion noting on X that it was ironic for Sky News to criticize gamers while praising a 16-year-old darts player. Social media users added that her words were mean-spirited and belittling to a child. The outcome of this criticism has not been resolved, and Secker has recently praised teenage darts sensation Luke Littler's run to the World Darts Championship final, leading to further scrutiny over perceived inconsistencies in her commentary.
Artemis II are currently orbiting the Earth, tonight their rocket is due to change direction and head towards its destination.
Back down on the ground the launch was watched by thousands some of whom had travelled half way across the world!
As a mother I would just say step away from the screen, go outside, get some fresh air. Beating Tetris is not a life goal.
It is the Year of Our Lord 2024 and Sky News is still telling people who play video games to go outside and get some fresh air, notably on the same day they're praising a 16-year-old darts player.