'Get your feet off the furniture, mate': BBC News host Tim Willcox caught relaxing during live broadcast

A BBC News host has been caught with his legs up on the desk during a live broadcast.

Tim Willcox is the presenter of BBC World News and BBC News Channel.

He was broadcasting live in the studio when the news program crossed to correspondent Ros Atkins from 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's residence in the UK, following the resignation of cabinet ministers and rumours Prime Minister Boris Johnson may resign.

Atkins finished his report and threw to Willcox who was leaning back with his feet up on the news desk, scrolling through his phone.

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Clearly he thought he had more time before he had to continue the broadcast.

While he quickly composed himself and continued with the broadcast, viewers were quick to tweet about the hilarious moment.

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"Incredible scenes: BBC News accidentally cut away to their news studio, showing a presenter with their feet on the desk," Scott Bryan tweeted.

"Who's allowed to do that," one Twitter follower asked.

Another wrote: "He's allowed a break."

"Accidentally cutting away to Tim Willcox with his feet on the news desk checking his phone was a moment of light relief on the BBC News Channel," one person tweeted.

"We just watched this live on BBC news. Whooped so hard that Walter the dog went into full guarding mode! Get your feet off the furniture, mate," said another.

BBC News has been contacted for comment.