BBC One announcer Duncan Newmarch delivered a heartfelt Father’s Day message that struck a chord with viewers.

Newmarch is a familiar voice on the BBC, and has introduced some of the broadcaster’s biggest shows since he took on the role in 2004.

But it was his brief announcement ahead of Race Across the World that left viewers especially moved.

Just before the new episode aired, Newmarch said: ‘Whether you are with your dad, chatting on the phone, or just missing him… happy Father’s Day from BBC One.’

The continuity announcer then took to X to share a clip of the message, adding the caption: ‘A difficult line for me to read this year. Hope you’re with your dad or have spoken to him.’

The famous voice lost his dad, Douglas Newmarch, in July 2016, so it’s understandable that he found the words difficult to read.

Viewers were quick to support Newmarch on the social media site, and many shared their thoughts on his heartfelt message in the replies.

@chrissnelling wrote: ‘Really nicely, but simply put – and I’m sorry to hear it’s been especially hard.

‘Will have been just as poignant for many others, so thank you for keeping these continuity slots relevant and a reflection of what’s going on around the country’.

Another user, @cl_clarke, expressed their connection to the announcement: ‘Missing him…still…33 years for me this year.’

@chriswilliams76 remembered one of Newmarch’s previous emotional voice-overs: ‘It’s nearly five years since your continuity piece before the Strictly final went viral about the fact that Christmas wasn’t the Christmas we had all hoped for…’

Indeed, this isn’t the first time Newmarch has moved viewers with his words.

In December 2020, as the UK faced stricter Covid-19 rules, Newmarch shared a heartwarming message in an attempt to keep spirits high.

The message said: ‘Now, in a year that has kept us apart, whether you’re watching in Tyne and Wear, Devon, Berkshire, or Lincolnshire… we are all watching BBC One together.’

Newmarch tweeted following the announcement, expressing the raw emotion behind it: ‘Thank you for the kind comments about my line into the @bbcstrictly final.

‘After this afternoon’s news I had to rewrite a handful of scripts as they didn’t seem appropriate. This is why live announcers can make a difference.’

The announcement soon went viral, his words resonating with people across the nation.

Many viewers expressed their gratitude on social media, with one posting on X at the time: ‘It made me cry a little bit, because it was unexpected but perfectly put. Thank you.’

Newmarch was also praised by TV critic Scott Bryan, who said: ‘As many people have pointed out, those touching poignant words came from @DuncanNewmarch.’

The announcer later wrote back to declare his pride for his profession, saying: ‘Thanks Scott. After the PM’s announcement, some of tonight’s lines (written yesterday) just didn’t work so I had some last-minute rewrites.

‘Here’s to the live announcers across all channels.’

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