Nine News presenter Peter Hitchener has probably read thousands of stories in his long career without a problem. But things didn't go to plan during Tuesday night's bulletin.
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Hitchener was halfway through reading a story about a Dutch crane collapse, when every presenter's worst nightmare came true and he started having an uncontrollable coughing fit live on air.
Just as the much-loved veteran's scratchy throat developed into a serious bout of spluttering and wheezing, weather presenter Livinia Nixon stepped in to save the day.
WATCH: Rarely lost for words, tonight @phitchener9 had a little hiccup! Thanks @LNixon9 for helping out. #Teamwork https://t.co/q0mgoHSHWq— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb)
August 4, 2015
As Nixon finished the world news package, which also included wildfires in northern California, Hitchener removed the frog in his throat with some loud coughs.
However Hitchener needed a bit more help, as the tickle in his throat refused to budge in time to read the next story about ambitious plans for an education city at Werribee.
Having a laugh, and a water, with the lads about tonight's @9NewsMelb The fab @phitchener9 is all good to go now! pic.twitter.com/MiFj63ZjOH— Livinia Nixon (@LNixon9)
August 4, 2015
Like a pro, Nixon delivered the intro for that story from her position in front of the weather screen.
Later in the show, Hitchener made light of the incident as he introduced Nixon for her scheduled update of the weather.
"She's back, Livinia Nixon joins us again, I think you've met her already, for a check on the weather, very cold this morning, Livinia, so good for the throat wasn't it," Hitchener said
On Twitter, viewers gave their appreciation for the teamwork shown by the on-air presenters as they dealt with the coughing fit.
Even ABC TV rival Michael Rowland was full of praise, tweeting that Nixon's quick thinking was "impressive".
Well, that was quite impressive @LNixon9! And welcome back to the bulletin @phitchener9! @9NewsMelb— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) August 4, 2015
What a ripping, legend @LNixon9 is ... stepping in for @phitchener9 who swallowed a fly mid-bulletin ... #teamwork!! @9NewsMelb— Dee Dee Dunleavy (@DeeDeeDunleavy)
August 4, 2015
Outstanding team work @9NewsMelb @LNixon9 @phitchener9! — Megan Hustwaite (@MeganHustwaite)
August 4, 2015
@9NewsMelb @phitchener9 @LNixon9 #TEAMWORK - hope that has gone on its merry way, Pete!— Joshua (@jjjjoshy) August 4, 2015
Well handled @LNixon9 @phitchener9 @9NewsMelb— Matt Longridge (@longbag11)
August 4, 2015
