TalkTV Host Botches Lyrics In Rant About Retiring BBC Proms Director Who Axed Patriotic Song

TalkTV host Kevin O’Sullivan found that he couldn’t quite recall the lyrics to British patriotic anthem ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ during a takedown of retiring BBC Proms Director David Pickard.

Pickard, who directed the BBC’s Proms for nine years, dropped the song from the broadcaster’s annual classical music festival in 2020, where it was traditionally played on the last night. He announced on Friday that he would retire after next summer’s Proms to “explore new projects.”

The director’s departure was a point of joy for O’Sullivan and co-host Alex Phillips on Friday, during a segment where they criticised media organisations and journalists for “pro-Israeli bias.”

“Good news,” O’Sullivan said. “And what a ridiculous thing that was to decide that at the last night of the promise you can’t sing this patriotic song ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ or ‘Rule Britannia.’ That’s the BBC for you.”

He continued: “Maybe maybe now that Mr. Pickard has gone. We can actually sing Land of Hope and Glory on the last night. The problem, what is going on at this ridiculous state broadcast. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Responding, co-host Phillips said: “I’ve got nothing to add to that. Kevin, that was so brilliant that actually I think that a rendition of that should be played at last night [of the Proms].”

It was at this stage that O’Sullivan launched into a rousing song of ‘Land of Hope and Glory.’ He was joined by Phillips, who waved her hands as if conducting an orchestra. The opening line being the same as the title, both hosts ended up stumped when it came to the second line.

O’Sullivan stopped: “I don’t know the rest of the lyrics. What is the next line?”

“Some patriot you are,” his fellow host laughed.

“Mother of the free,” Phillips sang on.

“Well done,” O’Sullivan commented, before hurrying on to the next item.