News reporter who ‘hates snakes’ goes viral after freaking out during report on snakes

A BBC reporter with a phobia of snakes quite literally had to face his fears recently when he was forced to report live on air about the largest python ever recorded in Florida.

Ben Thompson, a journalist with the beeb, was unfortunate enough to be given the job of covering his biggest fear: a monstrous snake accompanied with footage of a man allowing the beast to wrap itself around him while flexing its jaw.

Speaking on the news, the 41-year-old looked nervous as he said: "I've been told if you have a fear of snakes to look away now, so I'm not quite sure how I tell you this next story because I hate snakes.

"So I'm going to do it like this..."

With that he hid his own face behind the news script while the clip was shown.

Thompson laughed nervously as he held his papers up in front of his face and turned away from the screen.

Speaking from behind his papers, Thompson explained: "What you can see there is actually a Florida duo, they’re known locally as The Glades Boys, capturing what is the longest ever recorded Burmese python in the US state.

"It weighs 125lbs, 19 feet in length and is now, officially, a record-breaking catch."

When Thompson finally appeared back on screen he asked: "Has it gone yet?"

Later, Thompson made fun of himself, sharing the clip online writing: "ICYMI: inform, educate, AND entertain they said."

Fair play Mr. Thompson. Fair play.