Many BBC fans have feared that newsreader Martine Croxall could have put her job in jeopardy and could have risked facing being sacked after a controversial moment - but they all seem to think she "deserves a medal, not a sacking".

It comes as the news presenter changed the wording on an autoprompter mid-sentence, while live on air. She paused momentarily, before she replaced the term "pregnant people" with "women". She said: "London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has released research which says that nearly 600 heat-related deaths are expected in the UK. Malcom Mistry, who was involved in the research, says that the aged, pregnant people... women... and those with pre-existing health conditions need to take precautions."

In the aftermath, the clip went viral on social media and fans seemed to be worried for the journalist's job as they were concerned she would face disciplinary action from the BBC. However, in a turn of events, Martine seemed to have impressed those watching, rather than angering them.

Some admitted that they "applauded" the presenter and warned that there "would be riots" if she were to get in trouble with her employers for her actions.

One viewer commented: "Good for you. I both laughed and applauded. If any sanction or disciplinary action comes your way from the BBC there will be riots. You are now the people's reporter!"

Another person noted that Martine had "gone against the grain" but saw it as a good thing, rather than bad. "Thank you for going against the corporate grain with this," they wrote. "You have tuned in to the public mood, and also spoken logically and sensibly.

"People have had enough of this nonsense. I think that you've also done the BBC a massive favour here too. The emperor hasn't been wearing any clothes, and the majority of people have seen it all along. Few point it out, and those who do are scorned. Perhaps your deviation from the script will help to change that now?"

Someone else simply demanded: "Martine Croxall deserves a medal," followed by a number of clapping emojis as they reshared the viral clip for others to see.

Meanwhile, campaign group Seen in Journalism described it as "good to see accuracy on BBC News," while gender-critical commentator James Esses said: "The BBC is so utterly enthralled to gender ideology that it took a brave newsreader to correct the teleprompter instruction to say 'pregnant people' by instead saying 'women' afterwards. Let's hope she isn't cancelled for her rebellion."

Express.co.uk have approached the BBC for comment.