Reporter splits pants taking on cheerleader

A US reporter who challenged a cheerleader to a toe-tap match ended up shamed despite beating the schoolgirl at her own game.

North Carolina traffic reporter Chris Lea split his pants live on air after taking on a North Carolina teen in a competition to see who could jump into the air and touch their toes.

The teen's effort was good, but Lea's was more memorable.

"Don't split your pants, honey," his weather reporter colleague Lanie Pope warned before the live TV jump.

But Lea took no heed and threw himself into the air, totally outdoing the cheerleader with a surprisingly athletic jump.

That was until everybody heard the sound of ripping fabric followed by the look of horror on the reporter’s face.

He later shared an Instagram photo showing his ruined suit pants.