Couple 'shagging' during live Rio broadcast 'just reading a book'

A flustered BBC reporter has tried to convince viewers that a couple lying behind him in a seemingly amorous pose during a live Olympics broadcast were merely "reading a book".

Dan Walker was delivering a live cross from a beach in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday evening while a couple embraced in the background while lying on the sand.

The sight prompted dozens of viewers to speculate on social media the couple were doing more than just kissing.

Walker held back giggles as he sought to clarify what was going on behind him, with the canoodling lasting longer than a segment.

"And for those asking what's going on in the background on social media now, we're not going to zoom in, but rest assured it's not that," he said.

"It's just a hug ... they're reading a book ... they are reading a book in a strange pose.

"It’s merely a book. We’ll find out what the book is … maybe… a little bit later on."

 https://twitter.com/dwallm/status/766409851551514625

Such is the risk of a live television broadcast.