BBC Breakfast viewers were left deeply moved after presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt introduced Thursday’s show with some distressing news.
As they welcomed the audience, they shared one of the main stories about Southport’s Alice da Silva Aguiar, whose parents visited her primary school for the first time since their daughter’s tragic passing.
Naga said: “Good Morning, it’s Thursday 20th of February. In their first broadcast interview since their daughter was killed, the parents of Alice da Silva Aguia have said that she was born to be a star.”
Charlie added: “Alice, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Bebe King were killed in a knife attack last July. Both Alice and Bebe were pupils at Churchdown Primary School, which is now planning to build a playground in memory of the two girls.”
He continued: “Sarah Campbell has this report.”
The segment then cut to a pre-recorded piece showing Alice’s grieving parents, Sergio and Alex, at her primary school for the first time since her death. Alex, speaking of his daughter, said: “She started dancing when she was 16 months. She did ballet, then she was in the academy, she was born to be a star.”
Discussing the proposed playground, Alex mentioned that the stage would have been Alice’s favourite part and stressed: “For us, it is really important to make this happen. She would have been happy and I sure she is proud os us doing this.”
The feature on BBC Breakfast sparked a wave of emotions among viewers, prompting many to express their feelings on X, formerly Twitter, reports the Express.
One viewer commented: “Very sad and heartbreaking….. family should’ve felt safe and secure living here but this country has let them down.”
Another said:: “I have watched the parents of the young girl, Alice murdered in Southport on @BBCBreakfast this morning and it breaks my heart.”
Additionally, someone wrote: “At last, a decent segment on @bbcbreakfast regarding the community in Southport and what they’ve been doing post the murder of the three little girls. An amazing and human community project. Very touching story.”
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Echoing the sentiment, another said: “Heartbreaking story about Alice Aguiar on #BBCBreakfast,” while someone else commended the initiative, sharing: “Inspirational to see Alice’s parents with @ChurchtownSch Headteacher Jinnie Payne on BBC Breakfast to talk about plans to raise funds for a new playground at the school in Alice and Bebe’s memory.”