BBC Breakfast host says 'that's a worry' over Christmas update

BBC Breakfast presenters Sally Nugent and Ben Thompson have shared a "worrying" update ahead of Christmas.

Speaking on the programme on Wednesday (October 22), they revealed reports of shortages ahead of the festive season.

"We're in late October, is it too early to talk about Christmas?" Ben began, adding, "Sorry" as Sally insisted: "Never."

He continued: "A warning that the weather has been so good this year, really nice, early, warm dry Spring, dry Summer, not great for your Christmas shopping. It says beer might be in shortage, also things like potatoes, parsnips, sprouts, all the things you might want.

"Because grains and cereals really struggle because of the weather, so they're worried that obviously if there's fewer of them, prices go up, so it could cost more."

"That's a worry," Sally added. "Everything is expensive enough already, you don't want it to be more."

She then asked: "Are we suggesting there might be a beer shortage for Christmas?"

Ben replied: "I do not want to start a panic, do not stockpile beer! There'll be plenty to go around, it might cost a little bit more though, because of the good weather. That's the thing, we love the good weather, we don't like the higher price."

Before moving on to the next segment, Sally said: "Consequences aren't always so great, are they?"

This comes after a report sharing concerns of Christmas shortages and soaring prices. It said: "Some Christmas foods may be in short supply, such as potatoes, parsnips and sprouts. Beer could also be in short supply due to a rush harvest of grains and cereals. Prices will likely rise for consumers."

The study by BusinessWaste, which used Met Office data, added: "The summer of 2025 was officially the hottest since records began in 1884, following an unusually dry spring with rainfall 40% below the long-term average - the driest spring in over 50 years.

"This year's weather conditions may have a significant impact on agriculture and food production. Analysts have warned that harvests are likely to suffer dramatically, with particular blame placed on spring's dry weather, which effected farmers' ability to establish and manage their crops.

"Several foods, such as grains like wheat, barley and oats, are expected to see yields far below normal. Field vegetable farmers have also reported poor conditions, with broccoli and cauliflower producers claiming lower rates of production, while livestock farmers also struggled to grow enough grass for their cattle and sheep."

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer