While reporting a story about a runaway wallaby in Sydney, Australia, presenter Dan Walker made a mistake in his presenting, and laughed hysterically throughout the story.

The mischievous marsupial gave Sydney police the run-around after it caused traffic disturbances at around 5am local time. 

After police made attempts at cornering the animal, they eventually caught it in a park where it was safely escorted to a local zoo.

Dan made it sound like the animal didn’t make it out alive, however.

Following Louise Minchin’s introduction to the story, Dan showed his investment in the star of the story. 

“I love this little fellow,” he commented. 

“This was shot by - no, not shot,” he scoffed, realising what he had done. 

Obviously the early morning had gotten to him: “Filmed by, I meant the footage was shot by police,” he clarified.

“Yes, good morning everybody,” he laughed. 

“He was filmed by police,” he elaborated once more. 

At this point Dan lost it, breaking into a hysterical laughter: “He was crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge at 5am this morning,” he giggled, forcing his co-host to take over. 

“They couldn’t catch him originally,” Louise explained. “But they very safely, Dan, actually cornered him in a park, and took him to a zoo, where he was safe after his journey.

“Okay?” she asked, exasperated. “Goodness.”

Composing himself, Dan attempted to explain what he initially meant: “You can say that, when you’re filming, it is shot.”

“I know, I know,” Louise agreed. “But I think you would have worried people.”

BBC Breakfast airs weekdays on BBC One at 6am.