In a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, esteemed journalist Clive Myrie opened up about his dramatic experience reporting in Ukraine. The talk show host couldn’t help but praise Myrie for his fearless reporting in such a volatile region.
During the interview, Myrie revealed that BBC correspondents are never forced to go to war zones. It is solely their decision whether they want to risk their safety to cover such events. Myrie received a phone call from the deputy editor of the 10 o’clock news, Johnny Whitaker, asking if he was interested in reporting from Ukraine. At first, Myrie was hesitant, having just finished a series on COVID-19. However, after a moment of contemplation, he decided to seize the opportunity.
With 150,000 troops amassed at the Ukrainian border, Myrie was aware of the potential dangers. But he weighed the options and realized that he had never been to Ukraine before. In the end, he concluded that it was an experience he couldn’t pass up. As the saying goes, “Why not?” Myrie took a chance and agreed to go.
Myrie amusingly described the process of getting there, mentioning his flight on Ryanair, with a ticket price of only £29.99. He joked with the audience, assuring them that their license fee was being put to good use. With no time for a proper meal, Myrie landed in Ukraine, ready to start his assignment.
Everything seemed normal initially. Myrie and producer Annie Duncanson went to a lovely restaurant for lunch, enjoying the sunshine and the bustling atmosphere. However, the situation quickly took a turn. Between his presentations on the six o’clock and ten o’clock news, Myrie witnessed a complete change in the atmosphere. He interviewed Lee’s Doucet on the roof of their hotel, where they were broadcasting live. It was clear that something was up.
Myrie explained that he and Doucet could sense a shift because there was silence from President Zelensky’s office. Previously, Zelensky had been vocal about not invading Ukraine, but suddenly, he went quiet. Additionally, American intelligence suggested an impending invasion. The tension in the air grew palpable, and Myrie knew that something significant was about to happen.
As the clock struck midnight local time (10 o’clock in the UK), Myrie and Doucet were well-aware that the invasion was imminent. The chilling revelation came in the early hours of the morning – Ukraine had been invaded.
Clive Myrie‘s bravery and commitment to reporting in dangerous situations shine a light on the crucial role journalists play in bringing global events to our screens. His first-hand account of the events leading up to the invasion of Ukraine is a testament to his dedication to the truth.
Tune in to The Graham Norton Show to catch more fascinating interviews with celebrities and insightful discussions on current events. The show never fails to deliver engaging conversations that keep audiences entertained while staying up-to-date on the latest happenings in the entertainment industry and beyond.
