Sky News Kay Burley, who reportedly breached Covid-19 rules, was exposed by her own colleagues, according to reports.
The £600,000-a-year presenter jetted off to South Africa reportedly on full pay after she was taken off air for six months by Sky News bosses.
A handful of Sky News production staff at the office in Osterley, West London, were responsible for leaking the scandal that hit the headlines, it has been claimed.
They were said to overhear the presenter talking in advance about her 60th birthday party, writes the MailOnline.
It’s believed the production staff hired paparazzi photographer Eroteme in secret, in a bid to catch Kay breaking Covid rules.
Sources claim that a handful of production staff leaked the scandal (Image: Sky News)
A source told MailOnline: “It was a case of boom, this could really bring her down.
“They thought, ‘If she gets caught, that would be the end for her’.”
Kay reportedly invited a group of nine out of dinner, with the group dining over two tables for her birthday celebration.
Her night is said to have ended with some members of the group going back to her pad in Knighstbridge.
The reported breach occurred when Kay Burley was celebrating her 60th birthday recently (Image: Getty Images)
Under Tier 2 restrictions, people cannot mix with other households indoors whether it is a private home or in a public space.
Some restaurants provide outdoor seating where people can meet up with others outside of their household.
Only groups of up to six are permitted to meet during Tier 2 lockdown rules.
The scandal hit the headlines after it was printed on Westminster gossip website, Guido Fawkes.
Sky News have taken Kay Burley off air for 6 months and an investigation has been launched (Image: © Sky UK Limited.)
Following the reports in the media, Kay took to Twitter to apologise over breaking coronavirus government guidelines.
She wrote: “On Saturday night I was enjoying my 60th birthday at a Covid compliant restaurant. I am embarrassed to say that later in the evening I inadvertently broke the rules…
“I had been waiting for a taxi at 11pm to get home. Desperate for the loo I briefly popped into another restaurant to spend a penny. I can only apologise.”
A spokesperson for Sky previously told the BBC: “We place the highest importance on complying with the government guidelines on Covid, and we expect all our people to comply.
“We were disappointed to learn that a small number of Sky News staff may have engaged in activity that breached the guidelines.
“Although this took place at a social event in personal time, we expect all our people to follow the rules that are in place for everyone.”
Sky News have launched an internal investigation to find out whether Kay’s birthday party was “Covid compliant”.
The Daily Star has approached Sky News for comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
