BBC Breakfast host issues apology as co-star admits 'trying to stay positive'

BBC Breakfast star Ben Boulos issued an apology to weather expert Louise Lear after he had criticised her advice on the rain forecast for much of the Easter break.

Louise had just told viewers that despite the very high probability of showers, she urged, "It's not going to be a washout," which surprised Ben and his co-host Luxmy Gopal.

Picking up on her previous comment, Ben probed: "You say it won't be a washout, but I can see lots of drops of rain [on the chart beside her] there, Louise. Thanks for the update; we'll see you a little later."

Before the host could disconnect from the chat and move on to other news, Louise shot back, telling him: "I'm trying to stay positive, Ben."

To which he responded, "Sorry, Sorry," adding a light-hearted pun: "I'm raining on your parade, as it were." Finishing up the weather discussion, Ben prompted, "We'll see you a little later, Louise. Thank you."

In spite of Ben calling out the legitimacy of her advice on-air, the pair appeared to be in high spirits as they once again visited the weather later on in the show.

Turning to Louise for another update, Ben said: "Louise, what's happening with the weather? Save us."

The weather expert explained: "Well yesterday was the warmest weather of the year, I hope you managed to get out and enjoy it and the beautiful blossom."

She added: "Over the next few days, the winds are going to strengthen, so that'll probably blow some of that blossom off of the trees, and it will get much fresher."

Louise told viewers: "As we go through the week, we are looking at around 16 degrees and a case of showers or longer spells of rain." The weather update for the week ahead is stark news for Brits who have been enjoying basking in sunshine, with highs of 24C.

However, in some parts of the UK, temperatures are expected to plummet due to an Arctic blast.

According to Louise and the MET Office, it's too early to put away the winter coats just yet with more balmy conditions anticipated, with cloud and patchy rain and nationwide showers, plus much cooler conditions spreading across the country.

Despite the "mini-heatwave" in recent weeks the UK's all-time April weather record has not yet been beaten, which was 29.4C, set on April 16, 1949.

BBC Breakfast airs every day on BBC One from 6am.