A morning show was pranked into wishing happy anniversary to notorious serial killers, Fred and Rose West.
Bosses at the breakfast TV show were left embarrassed after the blunder as they were duped into sending their congratulations to the murderers.
TVNZ issued an apology after the show aired, where a picture of the deadly couple was shown in the “Today’s the Day” segment.
The segment showcases photos sent in by viewers’ of family members on birthdays and other special occasions.
During the segment, a picture of the vicious pair was shown while co-host Jenny-May Clarkson said: “Today is the day that Francis and Violet Eastwood celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary – I love it!
An image of the notorious couple was shown on the breakfast show
“This is their children’s favourite photo of them, taken on their honeymoon way back in 1990.”
Co-star Indira Stewart joked: “Get that afro though.”
It was revealed the photo had been sent by “the couple’s adoring kids” Dan, Rachel and Edwin who “say you’re the most caring parents they could ask for”.
After it was aired, the general manager of corporate communications issued a statement on behalf of TVNZ, reports The Sun.
Fred and Rose were arrested for nearly a dozen brutal murders (Image: SWNS.com)
Speaking to The Herald, Rachel Howard said: “An image of Rosemary and Fred West was sent into the Breakfast team along with a false backstory for our Today’s the Day segment. Unfortunately, this wasn’t caught before going to air,” she said.
“We sincerely apologise to our viewers who saw this error on screen.
“Jenny-May spoke to our viewers as soon as the mistake was realised and noted that we take responsibility for getting things right and we are now adding extra steps to make sure we’re not taken advantage of in this way again.
Show hosts wished Happy Anniversary to the couple
“We are disappointed someone chose to mislead us when this daily segment is an opportunity for our audience to share their positive news.”
Fred and Rose West are convicted serial killers, who were sentenced for the torture and murder of at least nine young women between 1973 to 1987.
The majority of murders took place in the Wests’ own home, in Gloucester.
Fred died after killing himself while in prison awaiting trial in 1995.
Rose is currently an inmate at HM Prison New Hall in West Yorkshire.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
