BBC Breakfast's Jon Kay rushes to comfort guest, 92, as they get emotional

BBC Breakfast's Jon Kay halted an interview with the oldest surviving victim of the Post Office scandal as she became tearful during Wednesday's programme.

Betty Brown, 92, from County Durham, operated the Annfield Plain Post Office near Stanley alongside her late husband Oswall during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Presenter Jon explained: "In 1998, Betty and her husband Oswall started running their post office in Annfield Plain in County Durham."

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Co-presenter Sarah Campbell added: "It was one of the most successful businesses in the region but Betty says her 'life changed' after the Horizon IT system was introduced in 2000. It immediately began registering incorrect losses."

Jon then continued: "Then over the next few years, the branch went from making a profit to huge losses. In 2003, Betty and Oswall were forced to retire. Oswall passed away just one year later", reports the Manchester Evening News.

BBC Breakfast interviewed Betty on Wednesday's programme, where she declared "time is running out" for her compensation claim to be resolved.

Following almost a decade of battling for compensation, Betty remains awaiting her claim's settlement. Betty has thus far rejected all proposals until she receives the complete sum she is owed after the ordeal.

Speaking on Wednesday's programme, Betty expressed her exasperation and worry, particularly following last week's government reshuffle, which leaves no current Post Office minister in place, thereby causing additional delays to her compensation claim.

During the interview, Betty became visibly upset as she discussed the Post Office scandal and its devastating effects on people.

This led Jon to momentarily halt the conversation, stepping in to say: "I can see you're getting emotional talking about it" while he offered comfort by holding Betty's hand.

In response, Betty urged: "Don't stop, don't stop, we're only at the beginning!" to which Jon concluded with: "Powerful words as ever thank you so much for coming in and talking to us."

Twitter, now X, was soon abuzz with praise for Betty's impactful interview. One viewer tweeted: "Betty Brown: Best thing on @BBCBreakfast today. #BBCBreakfast."

Another user posted: "God bless Betty Brown on #bbcbreakfast what a b****y hero!", while another wrote: "Betty is a VERY BRAVE and powerful lady".

Yet another viewer chimed in with: "Betty Brown on #BBCBreakfast is so courageous and is telling it like it is. The scandal of the #PostOfficeScandal is that it is still going on."

BBC Breakfast airs every morning at 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.