BBC Breakfast viewers were baffled by Ben Thompson’s changing accent on the show yesterday morning.
The BBC presenter's accent seemingly became “more northern” while he was interviewing Burnley-based businessman Dave Fishwick.
Dave, 51, is renowned for running the community-based Bank of Dave, and the story of his life has been documented in the feature-film The Bank of Dave.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast yesterday morning, Dave gushed about the successful film, which snapped up Best Feature Film at the 2023 National Film Awards.
However, while he was speaking to co-hosts Ben, 39 and Sally Nugent, 51, viewers couldn’t help but notice that Ben’s accent was starting to change.
It came after Dave gushed about the film being remastered into 4K for its recent Netflix debut.
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At first, it seemed like Ben mimicked Dave’s Burnley twang when he repeated “4K” in an exaggerated manner, but then he continued to speak with the accent.
Ben even made a comment about the actor who played Dave perfectly nailing the Burnley accent, seemingly not realising he was slipping into it himself.
In a “more northern” accent than usual, Ben said: “My mum was watching it on the plane — she’s watching this morning — and she said she was a little bit asleep and she kind of woke up and she looked around and Burnley was on all these screens on the plane.
"She had no idea where she was because all she could see was Burnley on all these screens. [It was] people watching Bank of Dave!
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“That’s the thing, it’s put Burnley back on the map,” he added excitedly.
Calling out the accent change on X, formerly Twitter, one viewer commented: “It’s funny on BBC Breakfast as Ben Thompson’s accent has gone very northern whilst talking to Dave from Bank of Dave.”
“I’m glad you said that. I thought it was just me thinking the same thing,” another viewer replied.
“Love the fact that Ben Thompson is speaking more Burnley during this interview with Dave,” said a third person watching at home.
However, Ben noticed the comments after he finished up on yesterday’s show and was quick to explain. “I’ve also spent a few days at home for Christmas….!” he tweeted.
It turns out, just like Dave, the Breakfast presenter is also from Burnley in Lancashire.
Realising this, another viewer praised Ben for not hiding his natural accent. “I for one loved it,” they said.
“It’s great how that happens,” added another.
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While a third, who interpreted the comments of criticism of his regional accent, told the presenter to “rise above it.”
“Nothing wrong with that, is there Ben?” commented another supportive fan, while fifth said to “just ignore” the remarks.
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